Future Prime Minister Paul Martin Jr. took to his feet in the House of Commons for the first time on this date in 1988. He had been elected MP for a Quebec riding only a few weeks before in the November 1988 free trade election. Many already saw him as a future Liberal leader. Martin started off his remarks by recalling the maiden address to the House, delivered by his father, 50 years before.
“Mr. Speaker, on June 18, 1936, the new Member for Essex East spoke in this House for the first time. His name was Paul Martin.” Martin Jr. told the House. “I can do no better than to begin here with his words, and I quote, ‘I feel conscious of my responsibility and trust that my remarks will meet with the approval of my constituents.’ My father had been in the House a year before he spoke that I have been here less than two weeks. Times have certainly changed. But as that young Member did 52 years ago, I would like first and foremost to thank the voters of my riding (LaSalle-Émard) for their trust without which I would not be here.”
You can read the future PM’s address in full at this link.