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The Word

The Word was created and donated to the Senate in memory of the Honourable Guy Charbonneau, one of the Upper Chamber’s longest-serving Speakers. The sculpture is a stone book held open by a fragment of Steuben crystal. The open pages are engraved with the phrase “The Word” and its French equivalent, “La Parole.”

The Senate Speaker is one of Parliament’s most important officials. The Speaker enforces the rules of the Red Chamber, ensures proceedings run smoothly and serves as the public face of the institution.

Mr. Charbonneau, a respected businessman and political fundraiser, was appointed to the Senate in 1979 and named Speaker in 1984. During his decade-long tenure, he presided over several high-profile debates and oversaw the expansion of the Speaker’s authority in the Rules of the Senate.

The artist, Susan Stromberg, is a prolific Canadian sculptor whose works can be found in major collections and institutions around the world. Born in Cut Knife, Saskatchewan, she has been awarded a commemorative medal by Canada’s governor general for her contribution to the arts.

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