MEMBERS' STATEMENTS

March 24^th, 2010

Thank You Max Keeping

Ms. Lisa MacLeod: On behalf of the residents of Nepean-Carleton and my PC caucus colleagues from eastern Ontario, Steve Clark, Randy Hillier, Norm Sterling and John Yakabuski, I'd like to say thank you to Max Keeping.

Born a Maritimer who left Nova Scotia when I was 23 years old, Max's life story spoke to me; it inspired me. He arrived to Ottawa via Newfoundland and Nova Scotia also at the ripe old age of 23. He embraced his new hometown, every Canadian's second hometown, the city of Ottawa.

Max became a CFRA, then CTV reporter before joining CJOH as its anchor and news director.

But it's not just his journalism that sets him apart from the rest. Indeed, it's Max's commitment to the people in Ottawa, in particular our children and youth. Max was a driving force behind making our local newscasts child friendly. The Max Keeping Wing at CHEO and his many other honours recognize that commitment.

But it was also his work as the founder of the Children and Youth Friendly Ottawa that makes it so special.

In fact, the first time I ever met Dalton McGuinty was at a CAYFO event at the Spirit of the Capital Awards with Max Keeping. It was long before Dalton McGuinty was elected Premier of this province and long before I was elected an MPP in this chamber. But even then, Max impressed upon us the importance of Ontario's children and youth.

Later, as I became an MPP, I was able to bring forward the children's bill of safety and protective rights, and I beamed with pride when Max Keeping endorsed that bill.

I'll always be grateful to Max Keeping. He was a role model to me and so many others across Ottawa. It's a privilege to know and work with him.

I congratulate Max on his retirement and in his new role as CTV ambassador. It's an honour to say thank you, Max Keeping, for your commitment to our city.