Thursday 20 April 2006

Ms. Lisa MacLeod (Nepean-Carleton): Tonight, the unofficial leader of the opposition -- to all levels of government -- will be roasted, after 50 years of broadcasting.

Like him or lump him, Lowell Green is a staple in Ottawa politics. His talk radio program, the Lowell Green Show, is listened to by everyone political. His show is provocative. Elected officials who represent ridings in the Lowell nation know he has single-handedly been able to reshape public policy -- and public perception -- at times by using the power of the people.

Lowell has been a great Canadian and has been recognized with the Royal Canadian Legion's Friendship Award, the Chief of Defence staff medallion and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal.

As a former commentator on CFRA, I have worked with Lowell and with his wife, Deborah, from my days at the Canadian Cancer Society. They're ordinary people, but Lowell manages to do extraordinary things. He has played a significant role in the nation's capital. He's a founder of the Help Santa Claus Parade and the Big Brothers of Ottawa and, thanks to the Save Centennial Flame campaign, that flame is still blazing on Parliament Hill.

Lowell is an international award-winning journalist and best-selling author, and tonight, from all walks of life, friends will roast this gentle talk show giant. And like most things Lowell does, proceeds will go to benefit charity: Food Aid 2006, to help the Ottawa Food Bank and the struggling beef industry.

On behalf of this Legislature, I would like to wish Lowell Green, the man with tough-mindedness, humanity and an unusual sense of justice, and his wife, Deborah, best wishes for 50 more years in broadcasting.