FAREWELL, MINISTER

Jean Chrétien got quite a send-off from his party tonight in Toronto: Oscar Peterson and Paul Anka were part of the festivities, which also included series of personal tributes from a variety of folks.

Paul Anka did a version of My Way that managed to mention both marijuana legalization and gay marriage in a lighthearted fashion. I love Canada.

My favorite quote from the Prime Minister this evening, from the Globe and Mail article (here it is again):

"Canadians should beware of those on the right who would reduce taxes ... [and] weaken the national government because they do not believe in the role of government," he said.

"My friends, my fellow Canadians, my fellow Liberals, if you remember only one thing that I say tonight, remember this: We must never lose our social conscience."

What a man.