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There will be victories, there will be defeats. And after the ballots are counted in 338 ridings in the 42nd general election tonight, there will be speeches, lots and lots of speeches. So what wise words does a Canadian historian have for those aiming to deliver a stand-out sermon? “You never lose in history by being gracious,” says Art Milnes, a fellow of the Queen’s School of Policy Studies and editor of the forthcoming book Canada Always: The Speeches of Sir Wilfrid Laurier.



Here’s a look at some of the remarkable rhetoric the former speechwriter recalls:

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BEST RECOGNITION OF AN OPPONENT’S ACHIEVEMENT:

Then Quebec Premier and Liberal leader Jean Charest’s concession speech after losing to Parti Québécois leader Pauline Marois in the provincial election on Sept. 4, 2012: “I have had the opportunity tonight to speak with Mrs. Marois, to whom I would like to say very sincerely, my deep congratulations. She is the first woman to become premier of Quebec and I invite you to applaud her and congratulate her for that achievement.”

BEST EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE TO SUPPORTERS:

Then Prime Minister and Conservative leader Kim Campbell, following the historic Tory defeat in the 35th general election on Oct. 25, 1993. Campbell lost her own riding (Vancouver Centre), subsequently resigning the leadership: “Thank you again for your hard work, for your devotion, and for your affection. You know that I return them. Thank you very much, and consider yourselves hugged.”