Prime Minister Mark Carney joins fellow members of Parliament as the House of Commons observes a moment of silence in honour of the late Ken Dryden on Wednesday. Mr. Dryden was a Liberal MP, representing the Toronto riding of York Centre between 2004 and 2011.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
MPs paid tribute to Ken Dryden on Wednesday, standing for a moment of silence after Question Period and then delivering remarks on a life that included accomplishments in hockey as well as federal politics.
A minister of social development under then-prime-minister Paul Martin, Mr. Dryden was also one of hockey’s most noted players, winning the Stanley Cup six times in eight seasons with the Montreal Canadiens.
Mr. Dryden, aged 78, died earlier this month.
“Few Canadians have given more or stood taller for our country.” Prime Minister Mark Carney said in the House.
“Few NHL players retire from the NHL to become prolific writers, lawyers, public servants, but after he hung up his skates, Ken devoted his life to public service. That is why Ken was unique. He had huge dreams and he followed his dreams with great focus and determination.
“That focus and determination served him well.”
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Mr. Carney highlighted Mr. Dryden’s work on a national child-care strategy, under Mr. Martin, and said that it paved the way for current national child-care programs.
New Democrat MP Leah Gazan said Mr. Dryden understood that greatness in sport comes and goes, but greatness in service to others is a lasting legacy.
“He could have chosen any easy path of fame and comfort. Instead, he chose learning, leadership and public service.”
Mr. Dryden, who was born in Hamilton, made his mark, in hockey as a goaltender for the Canadiens. But he also pursued legal studies, completing a law degree at McGill University in Montreal. He was also a successful author.
Between 2004 and 2011, he was a Liberal MP, representing the Toronto riding of York Centre.
Ken Dryden, legendary Canadiens goaltender, remembered for greatness on and off the ice
Conservative MP John Brassard took note of Mr. Dryden’s multifaceted impact.
“There are many great hockey players, but none were also as incisive analysts of the public sphere and eventually served the public in federal cabinet.
“As a larger-than-life figure, he was curious, humble and respectful to the many people he came across in his miraculous life journey.”
Martin Champoux, a Bloc Québécois MP, said Mr. Dryden inspired countless young Quebeckers.
“He gave us Stanley Cups and made the Canadiens unbeatable,” he said. “Is there any greater tribute to someone than to be a person with whom thousands and thousands of children can identify, the number 29 of the Montreal Canadiens.”
Mark Carney reflects on the legacy of the late Liberal politician and legendary Montreal Canadiens goalie great Ken Dryden.
The Canadian Press