Nova Scotia MP Bill Casey spoke his last words this afternoon in the House of Commons ending a career in Parliament that lasted 6,149 days.

"I want to say how proud I've been to be in Parliament," Casey said in the House after the conclusion of Question Period.

Just released by the PMO. You can read the back story here.

For better or worse, Canadian taxpayers are about to get in the auto business: "...The United States will have 8 percent of the equity of the restructured Chrysler LLC, and Canada and Ontario will have 2 percent, and the United States will appoint four independent directors to the new Chrysler LLC board, while Canada will appoint one independent director."

Prime Minister Stephen Harper turned 50 today and his staff marked the occasion by planting a flock of pink flamingos on the lawn at 24 Sussex Drive. The staff organized a press pool to mark the event. The reporter assigned to the pool was the talented Canadian Press reporter Alex Panetta. Here is his report:

The Conservatives as, we all know now, were beaten silly when they decided to trim the $2 billion or more Ottawa spends every year to support the cultural work of the country. So, it's only fair that, just as we noted the cuts, we should also note some of the additions -- and there have been nearly $6 million worth of funding announcements made today. Similarly, I assume that those who decried the Tories for the cuts will now applaud their generosity. Pardon me? You think I'm a bit naive. Maybe so.

Turns out that the NDP had also pursued the broader issue of government spending related to the production of the budget through an access to information request. The records released to the NDP under that request indicated that, in addition to the $3 million for TFSA-related TV ads, the government also spent an additional $2 million for advertising in other media to promote the TFSA.

"Canada will never stop the fight against racism. We will never stop the fight against discrimination. We will never stop the fight against persecution and genocide. And we will never stop the fight for peace, liberty, democracy and human rights . .

At 1 pm, with the TSX trending up today, you would now be up $4.12 on your $1,000 investment from the Harper "Buy Call".

Missed this from yesterday, but NDP Leader Jack Layton announced a slight tweak to his shadow cabinet lineup, a tweak that was forced upon him by the departure of Dawn Black. Black quit as an MP to run for the NDP in BC.

Today, Elliott was in Ottawa as part of her campaign and, thanks to Twitter, we know a little bit about a reception held for her at a pub just off of the Parliamentary Precinct.