I rise today to pay tribute to a gentleman that has served our province for over thirty years and will be ending a distinguished career in the public service of Newfoundland and Labrador on August 31, 2006.

John Noel, Q.C. was born in Twillingate, the son of William and Marion Noel. He was educated at Prince of Wales College and Memorial University in St. John�s. He continued his studies at Carleton University where he completed a master of arts in international affairs and, in 1973, he graduated from Dalhousie University with an L.L.B. The following year, he was admitted to the Bar of Newfoundland.

Mr. Noel�s career in the public service began once he obtained his law degree when he joined the provincial Department of Justice. He served in many capacities in that department including: legislative counsel; law clerk of the House of Assembly; and assistant deputy minister. In 1991, he was appointed to his current position as Clerk of the House of Assembly.

John Noel has brought a degree of professionalism to the position of clerk that is unparalleled. He performs his duties tirelessly and without consideration for politics or party stripe. All members of this honourable house are treated the equal by Mr. Noel, and for this he has earned our respect.

Recognition of this professionalism extends beyond the walls of our chamber. Mr. Noel has served with distinction with the Society of Clerks-at-the-Table in the Commonwealth, as president of the Association of Clerks-at-the-Table in Canada and he is a member of the Association of Parliamentary Counsel in Canada.

I have always considered my time in the legislature as an MHA to be an honour, and I am proud to say that I have served with someone who has the dedication, intelligence and integrity that Mr. John Noel has demonstrated throughout his tenure. I ask all members of this House to join me in recognizing his contribution to the House of Assembly of Newfoundland and Labrador and thanking him for his unwavering commitment and dedication. We wish him and his wife Ruth our very best as they embark on a new chapter of their life.

2006 05 17                          2:15 p.m.