Member of Parliament for Toronto Centre Depute de Toronto-Centre

Don was a remarkable Canadian, a very successful builder and entrepreneur (Ellis-Don) - and a great Liberal. He was also a generous soul, a humanitarian, a philanthropist, a wonderful family man (with a great wife and kids), and a delightful friend to many, including me and Arlene. When I was NDP leader in Ontario I was a tough critic of the governments Liberal government of the day, of which Joan Smith was a member. reason to be fond of me. ofthe day, including the

In short, Don and Joan Smith had no

Yet when I decided to run for Leader of the Liberal Party the Smiths became my most loyal and stalwart supporters (as did Bob Nixon, who celebrates his 85th birthday tomorrow). I had caused them all considerable pain - but they decided to forgive me and became fast friends and wonderful supporters, despite the harshness of the words I had to say about them. These have been gestures I have not forgotten, because they taught me much about forgiveness, reconciliation, friendship, and how partisanship can sometimes lead us astray. I hope I have learned something from it - and will never forget the great example of love and generosity that Don Smith helped to show me.

Ottawa Room 532, Confederation Building Ottawa, Ontario KIA OA6 Tel: (613) 992-5234 Fax: (613) 996-9607

Constituency 514 Parliament Street Toronto, Ontario M4X 1P4 Tel: (416) 954-2222 Fax: (416) 954-9649

Ottawa Piece 532, Edifice de 1a Confederation Ottawa (Ontario) KIA OA6 Tel.: (613) 992-5234 Te1ec.: (613) 996-9607

Circonscription 514, rue Parliament Toronto (Ontario) M4X 1P4 Tel.: (416) 954-2222 Te1ec.: (416) 954-9649