Jack Harris, who has bowed out of politics after a lengthy career at both the provincial and federal levels, was honoured at the provincial NDP convention in St. John’s over the weekend.

Harris did not run in last month’s federal election, ending a decades-long career in political life.

Don Davies, the NDP member for Vancouver Kingsway, paid tribute to Harris on Sunday. He calls him a rare person in politics who can survive decades of service and emerge with the affection and respect of everyone.

Davies says if universal dental care is ever achieved in Canada, it will be in no small part because of Harris.

Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also spoke at the event, saying even though his formal time in politics is over, his contributions will always be ongoing.

Singh says Harris will be part of the NDP forever, joking that it’s like the Mafia—you can never really leave.