John George Diefenbaker (Leader of the Official Opposition)
Progressive Conservative
Right Hon. J. G. Diefenbaker (Leader of the Opposition):
Mr. Speaker, if the house will permit me to do so I should like to extend my congratulations to the Prime Minister (Mr. Pearson) on his birthday anniversary, which is the day after tomorrow. The house will not be sitting then so I take advantage of this opportunity. While there have been occasions when I have not been in complete agreement with the Prime Minister, I have always belonged to that group which believes in doing honour to those, regardless of political beliefs, who make their contribution to their country and the world.
I couple with my congratulations the expression of the view that his distinguished career both nationally and internationally is worthy of mention on this occasion when he joins me in celebrating his seventieth birthday anniversary. Age does not weary, and I conclude by expressing the hope that he will now realize that those old age pensioners, who have not received the additional amount over and above $75 per month, cannot properly live on the amount they are receiving.