I don't know why we'd need so many more prisons when the crooks seem so happy in the Senate.

And finally, to all Canadians: Canada is a great country, one of the hopes of the world. We can be a better one – a country of greater equality, justice, and opportunity. We can build a prosperous economy and a society that shares its benefits more fairly. We can look after our seniors. We can offer better futures for our children. We can do our part to save the world's environment. We can restore our good name in the world.

The responsibility of a minister is to step aside when there is a criminal investigation of the department. That protects the propriety of Parliament and of responsible government.

If I've tried to bring anything to federal politics, it's the idea that hope and optimism should be at their heart.

Hope and optimism have defined my political career, and I continue to be hopeful and optimistic about Canada. Young people have been a great source of inspiration for me.

You can wait forever for perfect conditions or you can make do with what you have.

Don't let them tell you it can't be done.