 Although Thompson was ill with kidney stones at the time of Riel's execution, Thompson made his first major speech to Parliament during the subsequent debate by arguing that anyone who encouraged Canadians to act against the state could not escape justice.The speech was notable and helped to popularize Thompson, and he quickly rose to become a leading member of the Conservative government.His achievements as Minister of Justice included the first "Criminal Code", a consolidation and unification of the criminal law for Canada.