This afternoon in the House of Commons, the member of Parliament for the Manitoba riding of Portage-Lisgar rose during the “Members Statements” period of the proceedings to deliver the following:
Ms. Candice Bergen (Portage—Lisgar, CPC) Mr. Speaker, I rise today to inform you, my colleagues and my constituents that I have decided to return to my birth name, Candice Bergen. This change will take place as soon as this statement concludes. I realize that many will associate that name with a popular actress, but it is in fact the name that my parents gave me and I am extremely proud and honoured to resume using the name Bergen in that it has a deep history and strong ties in my riding of Portage—Lisgar. I am so grateful for the strong support I received from my constituents during election time and between elections and I am very honoured to be referred to as their member here in the chamber. Although my last name is changing, I can assure my constituents I will continue to serve and represent them here in Ottawa and work for their families in the riding and I appreciate their interest. If members hear on the Hill that Candice Bergen is here, it is not Murphy Brown people will be referring to. It will be me.
Ms. Hoepp– , er, Bergen will be a familiar face to many Canadians as the one of those MPs most closely associated with the fight against the long gun registry. Ms. Bergen’s marriage to Mr. Hoeppner recently ended in divorce and, hence, the name change.