“He has served with distinction in key roles such as the constitutional affairs minister and has been minister of external affairs,” Leader of the Opposition Stephen Harper told MPs. “He twice led a national political party. He occupied the post of leader of the opposition during some of the most critical battles ever to take place in the history of this Chamber. And it was almost 25 years ago that he received the mandate…to be Prime Minister of Canada, one of only 21 people in the entire history of this country to be so honoured.

As a consequence, the right hon. member for Calgary Centre will leave here with only history to judge him, which makes him a historic figure. Many people come here with the ambition to be historic figures but very, very few ever achieve this. And for that, we salute his career and we wish the right hon. member and his family health and prosperity into the future.”

After other party leaders and MPs spoke, Joe Clark took to his feet in the chamber he loved a final time.

“This House can reflect our country at its worst or at its best. I have been here for both experiences,” he said. “At our best this House of Commons defines the public interest of Canada. That happened, I believe, when we argued for and against specific constitutional changes in at least two Parliaments; when we argued for and against a free trade agreement; and when we acted together…as a Parliament in a practical campaign against apartheid…There are plenty of voices for private, regional or special interests. At our best in this House of Commons, the whole community can find its Canadian voice.”