Debates of the Senate (Hansard)
1st Session, 44th Parliament
Volume 153, Issue 1
Monday, November 22, 2021
The Honourable George J. Furey, Speaker
THE SENATE
Monday, November 22, 2021
FORTY-FOURTH PARLIAMENT
OPENING OF FIRST SESSION
Parliament, having been summoned by proclamation for the dispatch of business, met this day.
The Senate met at 11:30 a.m., the Speaker in the chair.
Prayers.
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, as this is about to be the commencement of a new Parliament, I wish to acknowledge that today we are meeting on the traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people.
[Translation]
Communication from Government House
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform you that I have received the following communication from Government House, which reads as follows:
RIDEAU HALL
November 17, 2021
Mr. Speaker:
I am commanded to inform you that the Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, in his capacity as Deputy of the Governor General, will proceed to the Chamber of the Senate to open the First Session of the Forty-Fourth Parliament of Canada at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, the 22nd day of November, 2021.
Yours sincerely,
Ian McCowan
Secretary to the Governor General and Herald Chancellor
The Honourable
The Speaker of the Senate
Ottawa
Speaker’s Statement
Silent Tribute
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, we were all deeply saddened to hear of the passing, on November 19, of our colleague the Honourable Josée Forest-Niesing. We were also deeply saddened by the earlier loss, on July 15, of the Honourable Judith Keating. There will be opportunities to pay tribute to our departed colleagues later, but at this time I would ask you to rise for a minute of silence in their memory.
(Honourable senators then stood in silent tribute.)
[English]
Business of the Senate
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, there have been consultations and there is an agreement to allow photographers in the Senate Chamber to photograph today’s proceedings.
Is it agreed, honourable senators?
Hon. Senators: Agreed.
New Senators
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that the Clerk of the Senate has received certificates from the Registrar General of Canada showing that the following persons, respectively, have been summoned to the Senate:
Bernadette Clement
James Quinn
Hassan Yussuff
David Arnot
Introduction
The Hon. the Speaker having informed the Senate that there were senators without waiting to be introduced:
The following honourable senators were introduced; presented Her Majesty’s writ of summons; took the oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and were seated.
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Hon. Bernadette Clement, of Cornwall, Ontario, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard.
Hon. Jim Quinn, of Saint John, New Brunswick, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Pierrette Ringuette.
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The following honourable senator was introduced; presented Her Majesty’s writ of summons; took the solemn affirmation, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and was seated.
Hon. Hassan Yussuff, of Toronto, Ontario, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Tony Dean.
The following honourable senator was introduced; presented Her Majesty’s writ of summons; took the oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and was seated.
Hon. David M. Arnot, of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Bev Busson.
(1200)
[Translation]
The Hon. the Speaker informed the Senate that each of the honourable senators named above had made and subscribed the declaration of qualification required by the Constitution Act, 1867, in the presence of the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed to receive and witness the said declaration.
[English]
Congratulations on Appointments
Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I am very pleased today to rise to welcome our new senators. First, I would like to thank Senator Carignan who, in 2016, did the research necessary to allow me to tell you today that with the installation of 8 new colleagues, we form a club that has sworn in only 998 members in the last 154 years. Each and every one of us brings skills, qualities and experience to our roles, and it is humbling to be surrounded by the depth and breadth of all of your accomplishments.
Beginning today, our new senators’ professional backgrounds and talents will help contribute to continuing this chamber’s role as a representative and thoughtful voice for all Canadians. Our first group of senators joins us from Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. As professionals, community leaders and volunteers, they have already made a tremendous contribution to our country.
From Ontario is Senator Bernadette Clement. In 1991, after having been called to the bar of Ontario, Senator Clement began her legal career with the non-profit corporation Roy McMurtry Legal Clinic. She served as its Deputy Director for 16 years and has been the Executive Director since 2017.
[Translation]
In that role, she practised law and represented injured workers. Senator Clement is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable members of our society. Before being appointed, she had been serving as the Mayor of Cornwall since 2018, the first woman to do so. She was also the first Black woman to hold that position. She is a member of the Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario and of the Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry Law Association. Senator Clement is a proud Franco-Ontarian.
[English]
Senator Jim Quinn hails from New Brunswick. He was appointed President and CEO of Saint John Port Authority in September 2010 after over 30 years of experience in the marine and public sectors to Port Saint John. He began his career on Coast Guard ships, and in 1981 he rejoined the Coast Guard and moved to its headquarters in Ottawa where he was promoted to Regional Director of the Central and Arctic Region and Director General of Marine Programs. Senator Quinn then joined the Privy Council Office’s Machinery of Government Secretariat and Social Development Policy Secretariat as Senior Adviser. He also served as Director General of the Lands branch at Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and as Chief Financial Officer at the Canadian International Development Agency. Senator Quinn also serves as honorary lieutenant-colonel for the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 5th Division, Army.
Senator Hassan Yussuff represents Ontario and is one of Canada’s most experienced labour leaders. He was the first person of colour to lead the Canadian Labour Congress. He worked as a truck mechanic with General Motors before getting involved in the labour movement. In 1988, he joined the Canadian Auto Workers union and became their first Director of Human Rights. He was elected Executive Vice-President and then as Secretary-Treasurer for three terms before being elected President in 2014. In 2016, Senator Yussuff was voted in for a second term as President of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, an organization uniting 48 national organizations and representing more than 55 million workers in 21 countries. Senator Yussuff is no stranger to the Senate chamber, albeit not this particular chamber, as he delivered a speech at the Canada 150 Symposium hosted by our colleagues Senator Seidman and former Senator Serge Joyal.
From Saskatchewan is Senator David Arnot. Senator Arnot became the Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission in 2009. Previously, he worked as the federal Treaty Commissioner for the Province of Saskatchewan, as a provincial court judge, a Crown prosecutor and as Director General of Aboriginal Justice in the Department of Justice Canada. As a judge with the Provincial Court of Saskatchewan, Senator Arnot worked closely with the Poundmaker First Nation to pioneer the use of sentencing circles and restorative justice measures to promote healing in legal proceedings and to give a voice to victims, community members and families in the pursuit of constructive resolutions. Senator Arnot’s work on the Teaching Treaties in the Classroom project was recognized by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Racism.
On behalf of the Government Representative Office in the Senate, I welcome all of you to the Senate of Canada, and my team and I look forward to working with you.
Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, I rise with mixed emotions today. I was, as we all were, devastated by the news this weekend of our colleague and friend Josée Forest-Niesing’s sudden passing and, of course, earlier this year of Senator Keating. I would like to convey my sincere condolences to their families, friends and staff. We hold all of you in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Colleagues, as often happens on this journey of life, grief and joy can be found together on the same day, and one does not diminish the other.
Today, on behalf of the Senate Conservative caucus, I am pleased to rise in the chamber and welcome our new colleagues who were sworn in just a few moments ago: Senator Arnot, Senator Clement, Senator Quinn and Senator Yussuff. Welcome to the Senate of Canada. It is an honour to call you our colleagues, and we look forward to working with each one of you. Senator Gold read your biographies, so I will not repeat them.
On days such as this, I am sure that we all find ourselves reflecting upon the day of our swearing in. We all carry the memory of receiving the phone call from the Prime Minister informing us, our family and friends, and preparing for the day we would be led into this chamber for the very first time. I clearly recall mine, and I think in the club that Senator Gold was referring to, I was number 901. I’m not quite sure about that.
Everyone in this chamber has felt the same excitement and anticipation, along with the weight of the responsibility entrusted to us. Colleagues, I still get a lump in my throat every time I walk through those doors and think of the awesome responsibility we have to our country.
It is not uncommon to feel at least a bit apprehensive about what lies ahead and wonder how one will fare in this place. But let me assure you that when we gather in this chamber, although we come from different backgrounds and represent different regions, different political viewpoints and have differing ideas on what the best way forward is, we gather here as colleagues.
You may have just arrived in this chamber, but the simple fact is that your voice and your perspective is needed and is as important as any one of ours. It is by working together through debate and discussion — which will sometimes be cordial and sometimes contentious — that we will determine the best path forward to ensure a better tomorrow for all Canadians.
I see that everyone has determined which group they wish to be associated with, and would note with surprise that none of you has chosen to join the Conservative caucus. Maybe I shouldn’t be surprised. However, I never want to miss an opportunity to underscore that as the opposition in the Senate, we have an essential role to play in the proper working of Parliament. We ensure that a healthy democracy is maintained by challenging the ideas and policies brought forward by the government.
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Our caucus has the tremendous privilege of representing the voices of 6 million Canadians who voted for the ideas, policies and visions brought forward by our party in the last election. If you are ever looking to have a clear mandate and wish to join an effective team, I welcome you to come and join us.
Once again, I want to warmly welcome you as you embark on that journey with us. And on behalf of the Senate Conservative caucus, welcome to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Yuen Pau Woo: Honourable senators, let me start by saying how nice it is to see all of you in person in this chamber after so many months of limited sittings.
It is my pleasure, honourable senators, on behalf of the Independent Senators Group, to extend a warm welcome to our new colleagues, Senators Arnot, Clement, Quinn and Yussuff. Their arrival on this opening day of the Forty-fourth Parliament, together with four more senators to be sworn in this afternoon, means that the Senate is more diverse than it has ever been and hence more reflective of the Canada of the 21st century.
Senator Arnot has had a distinguished career before his appointment to the Senate. We have heard already that he worked as a federal Treaty Commissioner for the Province of Saskatchewan, as a Crown prosecutor and a director general of Aboriginal Justice at the Department of Justice. He also worked closely with the Poundmaker Cree First Nation to pioneer restorative justice measures. In 2009, he became Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission.
Senator Arnot, you are joining the Senate at a time when awareness of the need for reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is higher than ever. We are so fortunate to have yet another colleague who has been a leader on this national imperative.
[Translation]
Senator Clement joined the Senate after a brilliant career during which she overcame many obstacles.
[English]
She was the first woman to be elected Mayor of Cornwall and the first ever Black woman mayor in Ontario. Senator Clement began her legal career at the Roy McMurtry Legal Clinic, a non-profit offering legal services to low-income individuals, eventually serving as executive director of the clinic.
Senator Clement, you join a group of other former mayors who are members of our chamber and who do so much to help educate the rest of us about the vital role of municipalities in addressing some of the country’s biggest challenges, from homelessness to infrastructure development to climate change.
We also welcome Senator Quinn of Saint John, New Brunswick, who has had an illustrious career spanning 32 years with the Canadian Coast Guard and other federal departments, including a stint as the CFO of the Canadian International Development Agency. His experience in marine issues led to his appointment as president and CEO of the Saint John Port Authority. He has also served on the board of directors of the Association of Canadian Port Authorities and of the American Association of Port Authorities. For all of this work and much more, he was awarded the first-ever Award of Excellence for Comptrollership in the Public Sector.
Senator Quinn, your seafaring and financial experience puts you in good stead for the work of the Senate. We will look to you for help in navigating rough legislative waters, and from time to time showing us where to find the life jackets.
Senator Yussuff brings years of public policy experience to his role as a senator. He was the first person of colour to become President of the Canadian Labour Congress. He has worked both nationally and internationally to promote workers’ rights. He was president of the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas, an organization that represented more than 55 million workers in 21 countries. He was also a member of the Executive Bureau and General Council of the International Trade Union Confederation.
Welcome Senator Yussuff to the toughest bargaining table you have ever been at. We will need all your skills as a thinker, negotiator and conciliator to help the Senate come to wise decisions about laws that are in the best interests of this country. Once again, to Senators Arnot, Clement, Quinn and Yussuff, welcome to the Senate. I very much look forward to working with you.
Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, it is always a pleasure to welcome new colleagues to the Senate of Canada. As Senator Plett stated earlier, I’m sure that many senators in the room are reminded of their own swearing-in ceremonies. It’s a day filled with a bit of awe for these wonderful Parliament buildings and the surroundings and of the colleagues you will be joining today. It’s a little bit of, “I sure hope I like this,” and, of course, a whole lot of excitement about starting a brand new career.
On behalf of my colleagues in the Progressive Senate Group, I would like to welcome Senators Clement, Quinn, Yussuff and Arnot. You are all outstanding Canadians whose collective skills and achievements will continue to serve Canadians through your work in the Senate of Canada. Each of you brings a lifetime of diverse experiences and broad knowledge to this chamber.
Senator Bernadette Clement is a lawyer, politician and trailblazer. Prior to joining us, she served the people of Cornwall, Ontario, as mayor. Not only was she the first woman to be elected as Mayor of Cornwall, she was the first Black woman to serve as mayor in Ontario. Bernadette’s experience as a city councillor and then mayor will serve us all well as we reconcile conflicting views on the varied legislation the Senate will debate on behalf of all Canadians.
A fellow Maritimer, Senator Jim Quinn served for 23 years in the Canadian Coast Guard before entering the ranks of the federal government. Senator Quinn brings with him a wealth of experience working within the federal government and invaluable knowledge of the relationship between the federal government and their stakeholders — knowledge that will only benefit all of us as we deliberate legislation in this chamber. Along with these skills, Jim’s time working for the Port of Saint John will be very helpful to him and to us in Senate deliberations.
Another trailblazer, Senator Hassan Yussuff is one of Canada’s most respected labour leaders. He was the first person of colour to be President of the Canadian Labour Congress. His experience and insight of labour relations and labour markets will serve Canadians well, particularly as we plan for the economic recovery from this pandemic. Many of us have had the pleasure of working with Senator Yussuff as he did an excellent job representing the voice of labour to parliamentarians in both houses of Parliament.
Senator David Arnot brings a career’s worth of legal expertise serving the people of Saskatchewan into our chamber. As a provincial judge, his work with the Poundmaker Cree First Nation ushering in sentencing circles and restorative justice measures was particularly groundbreaking. This experience will be invaluable as we — as senators and as a nation — continue on the path toward healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. David, the sharing of your experiences will be most welcome in the Senate.
Honourable senators, I used to be a teacher in my previous life, and teachers love to teach. My wonderful husband might say teachers love to be bossy. But perhaps I will temper my teachings by offering some advice and suggestions to our new colleagues.
My first suggestion is to listen. Remember the saying that maybe your mother said to you, “We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” You will learn more by listening, especially in the first few months of your time here in the chamber. Be sure to ask questions, whether it’s here in the chamber or to your new colleagues.
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And to our new colleagues — and Senator Plett made reference to this in his speech — all senators, no matter which group you are in, want what is best for Canada and for Canadians. We might disagree on what is best or how to go about getting what is best, but working collaboratively will ultimately make legislation, motions and reports better.
Working with senators from across the country and with people from different caucuses or groups only enhances the work we do. The principle of our group, the Progressive Senate Group, is Mamidosewin, which means “meeting place” and “walking together.” So whether you are in our group or not, it is a good policy to follow. It will broaden all of our perspectives.
To our new colleagues, be serious about your work, but never lose your sense of humour, particularly during long days and long nights of debate. It will be helpful.
So, Bernadette, Jim, Hassan, and David, as well as our colleagues being sworn in this afternoon — Senators Michèle Audette, Karen Sorensen, Clément Gignac and Amina Gerba — our team looks forward to working with you during your time here. On behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, welcome to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Scott Tannas: Honourable senators, I’m happy to rise today on behalf of the Canadian Senators Group to welcome four distinguished Canadians to our chamber. I would also like to welcome their guests in the gallery who are here to share in this special moment.
Senator Bernadette Clement, with roots in Manitoba and Trinidad, in English and in French, highlights the rich diversity of our great country. Her distinguished legal career was in the service of people in her community who most needed an advocate at the Roy McMurtry Legal Clinic. In addition to her legal service, she has been an active community leader as a volunteer and councillor, and most recently as the mayor of a very vibrant city.
Senator Hassan Yussuff was a mechanic who rose from the shop floor to the highest levels of leadership in the union movement in Canada and internationally. His skills and passion in service of the workers of Canada are an inspiration to many current and future labour leaders. His insights and perspective have guided governments and business organizations throughout Canada and the Americas.
Senator David Arnot is a man with a distinguished career as a lawyer, judge, treaty commissioner, Crown prosecutor and human rights commissioner. His resume and accomplishments highlight a lifelong commitment to compassion and understanding.
We are very proud to welcome Senator Jim Quinn as the newest member of the Canadian Senators Group. Senator Quinn has had a fascinating career. A high-seas mariner, he served in Canada’s Coast Guard, rising to senior leadership rank. He then changed his role to join the federal civil service, where he served in a number of ministries and agencies of government, culminating in positions of chief financial officer and assistant deputy minister. Finally, he returned to Saint John as CEO of one of Canada’s busiest ports, and now a senator. This must be one of the most dynamic and exciting careers of any accountant in history. If there was a CPA hall of fame, Jim, you would surely be in it.
To the four of you, let me say this, as Senator Plett and Senator Cordy have said: Your skills and perspectives are welcome here. They are needed here. Our country faces incredible challenges, unlike any other period in our lifetimes. It will be an honour to work alongside you in the service of the people of Canada. On behalf of the Canadian Senators Group, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
[Translation]
The Hon. the Speaker: As there is no business before the Senate, is it your pleasure, honourable senators, that the sitting be suspended to await the arrival of the Right Honourable Deputy of Her Excellency the Governor General of Canada?
(The sitting of the Senate was suspended.)
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The Right Honourable Richard Wagner, Deputy of Her Excellency the Governor General, having come and being seated,
The Hon. the Speaker commanded the Usher of the Black Rod to proceed to the House of Commons and acquaint that House that it is the desire of the Right Honourable the Deputy of Her Excellency the Governor General that they attend him immediately in the Senate Chamber.
Who being come,
The Hon. the Speaker said:
Honourable Members of the Senate:
Members of the House of Commons:
I have it in command to let you know that Her Excellency the Governor General does not see fit to declare the causes of her summoning the present Parliament of Canada until a Speaker of the House of Commons shall have been chosen, according to law; but tomorrow, November 23, 2021, at 1 p.m., Her Excellency will declare the causes of her calling this Parliament.
The Commons withdrew.
The Right Honourable the Deputy of Her Excellency the Governor General was pleased to retire.
(The sitting of the Senate was resumed.)
Communication from Government House
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform you that I have received the following communication from Government House, which reads as follows:
RIDEAU HALL
November 17, 2021
Mr. Speaker:
I have the honour to inform you that Their Excellencies the Right Honourable Mary May Simon, Governor General of Canada and Mr. Whit Grant Fraser will arrive at the Senate of Canada Building at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, the 23rd day of November, 2021.
When it has been indicated that all is in readiness, Her Excellency the Governor General will proceed to the Chamber of the Senate to formally open the First Session of the Forty-Fourth Parliament of Canada.
Yours sincerely,
Ian McCowan
Secretary to the Governor General and Herald Chancellor
The Honourable
The Speaker of the Senate
Ottawa
New Senators
The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that the Clerk of the Senate has received certificates from the Registrar General of Canada showing that the following persons, respectively, have been summoned to the Senate:
Michèle Taïna Audette
Clément Gignac
Amina Nleung-Abah Gerba
Karen Sorensen
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Introduction
The Hon. the Speaker having informed the Senate that there were senators without waiting to be introduced:
The following honourable senator was introduced; presented Her Majesty’s writ of summons; took the solemn affirmation, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and was seated.
Hon. Michèle Audette, of Québec, Quebec, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Renée Dupuis.
The following honourable senators were introduced; presented Her Majesty’s writ of summons; took the oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and were seated.
Hon. Clément Gignac, of Lac Saint-Joseph, Quebec, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Dennis Dawson.
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Hon. Amina Gerba, of Blainville, Quebec, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Peter Harder, P.C.
Hon. Karen Sorensen, of Banff, Alberta, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Paula Simons.
(1350)
The Hon. the Speaker informed the Senate that each of the honourable senators named above had made and subscribed the declaration of qualification required by the Constitution Act, 1867, in the presence of the Clerk of the Senate, the Commissioner appointed to receive and witness the said declaration.
[English]
Congratulations on Appointments
Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, it gives me great pleasure to welcome the second group of new senators today. They represent Quebec and Alberta. Allow me to say a few words about our latest additions to the chamber.
[Translation]
Senator Michèle Audette is an Indigenous leader from Quebec. At 27, she was elected president of the Quebec Native Women association. In 2004, she was appointed Associate Deputy Minister for Quebec’s Secrétariat à la condition féminine and later served as president of the Native Women’s Association of Canada. She also helped create an innovative graduate program in Indigenous public administration for the École nationale d’administration publique. As many of you know, Senator Audette was one of the five commissioners responsible for conducting the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
[English]
From 2012 until his appointment as a senator from Quebec, Senator Clément Gignac held the position of Senior Vice-President and Chief Economist at iA Financial Group. He was the group’s spokesperson on economic matters and chaired the Asset Allocation Committee. Prior to joining iA Financial Group, Senator Gignac worked as an economist in the Quebec government and strategist including as Vice-President and Chief Economist for National Bank Financial from 2000 to 2008.
[Translation]
In 2009, Senator Gignac was elected as a member of the Quebec National Assembly. He was named Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade and went on to serve as Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife. Senator Gignac also chaired the World Economic Forum’s council on competitiveness in 2012, and he is a long-standing member of the Conference of Business Economists, a group of distinguished global economists based in Washington, D.C.
Senator Amina Gerba, who represents Quebec, is an entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience. She has acted as an economic link between Canada and Africa for many years. In 1995, she started her own consulting firm, Afrique Expansion Inc., in order to build bridges between Canada and Africa, and encourage business opportunities. From February 2018 until her appointment, Senator Gerba was chair of the board of directors of Entreprendre Ici, an organization established as part of Quebec’s 2017-2022 entrepreneurship action plan to support entrepreneurs from cultural communities. Senator Gerba has served on several public and private boards, including the Université du Québec à Montréal and its executive committee, the organization ENSEMBLE for the respect of diversity, in which I have also been involved and which is very close to my heart. Senator Gerba also sat on the boards of the Canadian Council on Africa, the African Business Roundtable and CPCS Solutions for Growing Economies. She is a member and former president of the Rotary Club of Old Montreal and a mentor for the Réseau des entrepreneurs et professionnels africains.
[English]
Senator Karen Sorensen comes to us from Alberta, where she served three terms as the Mayor of Banff. She is an accomplished community leader with experience working with all orders of government and the private sector. She previously served as a municipal councillor for six years and as a school board trustee for four.
After a successful 25-year career in the hotel industry in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, she founded Catalyst Enterprises consulting in 2000, providing customer service and sales training in the hospitality industry. At the municipal level, Senator Sorensen served as Chair of the Town of Banff’s Governance and Finance Committee and on the Banff & Lake Louise Tourism Board. She also contributed to the town’s Environmental Master Plan, community plan and participated in the creation of the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission. She supported her community through the Alberta flood of 2013, the wildfires across the province in 2017 and the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Colleagues, this chamber and, indeed, Canada are fortunate to welcome these accomplished and committed individuals. To our new colleagues, your experience and enthusiasm are appreciated and welcome additions to the work we do and to the modernization of this institution going forward. Welcome to the Senate of Canada.
Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, on behalf of the Senate Conservative caucus, I am also pleased to rise in this chamber and welcome our new colleagues who were sworn in just moments ago.
Senators Audette, Gerba, Gignac and Sorensen, welcome to the Senate of Canada. It is an honour to call you our colleagues and we look forward to working with you.
Of these four, and indeed the eight senators sworn in today, the only one I have met personally is Senator Audette, and I had a wonderful meeting with her just a few days ago.
I hope Senator Audette won’t mind when I say she asked me to do something, and I’m not sure whether we can do this as a private member’s bill or not, Senator Audette, but I will allow you to, at some time, share with our colleagues what it is. It is a private matter. But I would certainly support our doing this via a private member’s bill, and you can suggest to your spouse that I might be taking on this assignment.
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So that will leave all of you wondering. I’m sure, Senator Audette, that everybody will be beating down your door to find out what that was. I will let them wonder for a bit and allow you to explain that.
As all of you take your seats for the first time, it can be a bit surreal as you adjust to your new surroundings; I know it was for me, some 12 years ago. It seems like a long time ago. On the one hand, you feel proud to have such an incredible opportunity to serve your country, yet at the same time you feel humbled to have been chosen.
Each of you has your own story about how you arrived in this place. Each of you brings your own areas of expertise and has particular aspects of public policy that interest you the most. But you will quickly find that the range of issues you will need to consider in this chamber will not stay within those parameters. At times this can be overwhelming.
However, the simple fact is that your voice and perspective are needed. No one in this chamber has the complete picture and no one has all the answers. It is by working together through debate and discussion — which will sometimes be cordial and sometimes contentious — that we will determine the best path to take in order to ensure a better tomorrow for all Canadians.
I should also mention that over time — and, as a matter of fact, quite often — you will come to learn about the word “proportionality.” It is quite important to certain leaders in the Senate to talk about proportionality, and I want to point out that, under proportionality, two of you will need to join the Conservative caucus.
Some Hon. Senators: Oh, oh!
Senator Plett: My door, of course, is open to you anytime you want to set the numbers straight.
Once again, colleagues, I want to warmly welcome you as you embark on that journey with us. On behalf of the Senate Conservative caucus, welcome to the Senate of Canada.
[Translation]
Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Dear colleagues, on behalf of the Independent Senators Group, I am pleased to welcome four distinguished new senators.
[Editor’s Note: Senator Saint-Germain spoke in Innu.]
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!
Senator Saint-Germain: Honourable Senator Michèle Audette, with help from your family, I just said, or tried to say, in the Innu-aimun language how impressed I am with what you have accomplished since 2004, the year our paths crossed for the first time.
Honourable senators, our new colleague is a trailblazer who has always proudly blended her Innu, Quebec and Canadian roots together.
A proud member of the Montagnais Innu, she has truly climbed mountains and broken the glass ceiling on more than one occasion, including as the highest-ranking Indigenous woman in the government, in her capacity as the Associate Deputy Minister to the Secrétariat à la condition féminine of Quebec.
As a proud Quebecer who is equally fluent in French and English, she knows and understands what marginalized groups and vulnerable people are going through. She has played and continues to play a key role in developing relations between Indigenous peoples and Quebec society. As a proud Canadian woman, she has also made a significant contribution to this development, both as the President of the Native Women’s Association of Canada and as a commissioner for the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Her respect for others, her knack for negotiating with a smile, and her legendary good humour will certainly contribute to the quality of our work environment.
Honourable Senator Amina Gerba, the diversity you represent shines through in your dual Cameroonian and Canadian citizenship, but also through your remarkable accomplishments. You are evidently a born entrepreneur with interests in many areas.
Your social and civic involvement with your alma mater, the Université du Québec à Montréal, various business associations, cultural communities and charitable organizations clearly demonstrates your generosity and sense of inclusive citizenship.
In times such as these, when negativity, disinformation and pessimism all too often dominate the public space, you have chosen to be an “ambassador for Afro-optimism,” and you have dedicated yourself to building bridges between Canada and Africa.
This bodes well for the success of the public service to which you now turn your attention.
Honourable Senator Clément Gignac, your arrival in the upper chamber of the Parliament of Canada is the continuation of your public service in Quebec as a member of the National Assembly from 2009 to 2012, when, as I recall, you served as Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade and then as Minister of Natural Resources and Wildlife.
You have the definite advantage of being well versed in parliamentary procedure in Quebec, which will help you master the rules and practices of the Senate. Believe me, that is no small advantage.
Before and after serving as a Quebec parliamentarian, you had a successful career as an economist, at financial institutions and at a national insurance company with an international presence.
You are well placed to enrich our debates on these matters as you work with our colleagues who also come from the vast world of business and finance.
I am sure that your affinity for providing sober second thought and your ability to explain complex issues in plain language will help enhance the Senate’s credibility.
[English]
Honourable Senator Sorensen, with your remarkable record of public service, combined with your decades of business experience, there is no doubt that you will make significant contributions to our decision-making process. By serving as mayor for more than 10 years for three consecutive terms, you know the challenges and complexity of municipal management. Your longevity is an undeniable sign of your skill as an administrator, as well as your determination and, most important, the esteem in which you are held by your fellow citizens.
Your many areas of expertise in the fields of commerce, finance, tourism, transportation, school management, sustainable development and historical conservation will certainly present you with a challenge: namely, choosing a committee to which you will bring your wealth of knowledge and real-world experience. One of the most challenging aspects of our work is to balance the interests of our respective provinces and territories with the national interest, while always ensuring that the voices of minorities and vulnerable groups are considered. In this respect, your professional experience beyond the frontiers of Alberta, notably in British Columbia and Ontario, will be of great help in the years to come.
To you, Senator Sorensen, and to all the colleagues we welcome today, I wish you a mandate rich in accomplishment and satisfaction. Thank you, tshinashkumitin.
[Translation]
Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: On behalf of my Progressive Senate Group colleagues, today, I am delighted to welcome Senators Audette, Gerba, Sorensen and Gignac.
Honourable senators, with these four new members and the four others who were sworn in earlier today, we are welcoming eight people who will enrich our work and our discussions.
[English]
Senator Karen Sorensen, born and raised in Ontario and now a proud Albertan, spent many years working as a civil servant and at the community level in Alberta. She held multiple elected positions — no longer — including three terms as mayor of the beautiful town of Banff. In her work in this chamber, she will be able to apply her experience in managing conflicting ideas and various expectations, especially in relation to environmental protection and climate change.
(1410)
[Translation]
I now want to talk about our new colleagues from Quebec.
Senator Michèle Audette played a key role in challenging and transforming the relationship between Indigenous peoples and Quebecers, both in her past work with the Government of Quebec and the work I believe she is still doing at Laval University.
She was recently a leading participant in the debates on systemic discrimination in the Quebec health care system.
I also want to point out her outstanding contribution to the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Interestingly enough, in an interview with Radio-Canada shortly after her appointment, she said that becoming a senator was a dream come true for her. That is not something very many people dream about.
Senator Clément Gignac is a renowned economist who served as the head of major financial institutions, a Quebec government minister and an adviser to several finance ministers, including the late Jim Flaherty.
He is known for his ability to explain complex issues and the ways to address them in simple terms, and his experience will help us to understand and assess the challenges associated with the socioeconomic transition resulting from the pandemic and the climate crisis.
We are delighted to have his expertise in the Progressive Senate Group.
Senator Amina Gerba, who grew up in Cameroon and later made Quebec her home, established herself as a businesswoman and entrepreneur by taking an approach based on the principles of a fair economy.
Furthermore, she has been a champion for strengthening business ties between Canada and Africa. She brings a macro perspective that will be an asset to our work here, especially with respect to Canada’s relations with emerging economies. The progressives are pleased to have her among our ranks.
The fact that we have people from all across the country who have varied life experiences and different political backgrounds is a plus and contributes to the work we do in this chamber on behalf of Canadians.
To our new colleagues, I’m sure your previous work experience has shown that there is nothing to lose and only something to gain when people work together and keep an open mind.
I suggest that all of you reach out and work with all senators from all groups.
I want to add that all members of the Progressive Senate Group look forward to working with you and getting to know you better.
In closing, I want to reiterate the advice that my colleague, Senator Cordy, said earlier this morning. Never lose your sense of humour. It will be particularly helpful on those days we sit until midnight or when we are suspended for an hour before a recorded vote.
Thank you very much. Tshinashkumitin.
[English]
Hon. Scott Tannas: On behalf of the Canadian Senators Group, I’m delighted to say a few words of welcome to our four newest honourable senators. Before I do so, let me acknowledge and welcome their guests in the gallery. Notwithstanding the limitations brought about by COVID-19, this is a special day. We hope you enjoy being a part of this special occasion.
The four senators who arrived in this chamber and were sworn in a few minutes ago provide, each in their own way, much inspiration to Canadians.
Senator Karen Sorensen, a fellow Albertan, a popular and transformative mayor of Banff — Canada’s most magnificent community set inside a UNESCO World Heritage site — combines tourism expertise with top-flight consensus-building skills. Senator Sorensen’s leadership provides a permanent and positive legacy for the citizens of Banff and a record of real, tangible environmental initiatives worthy of that special place in Canada.
Senator Amina Gerba, a celebrated entrepreneur who has leveraged her incredible business success to build bridges of commerce between Canada and Africa, is a proud Quebecer born and raised in Cameroon. She has served her community in many endeavours, including as a member and President of the Rotary Club of Old Montreal. With her distinguished work in commerce and the community, Senator Gerba epitomizes the core Rotary principle of “Service Above Self.”
Senator Michèle Audette, a distinguished and much loved Indigenous Canadian leader, rose to early prominence as a young adult and has served her community, her province and her country ever since. All Canadians owe a debt of gratitude for her role in the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
Senator Clément Gignac, one of Canada’s most respected financial experts, having enjoyed a stellar career in the banking and life insurance sectors, is an honoured alumnus of Laval University and also a former MNA and minister in the Government of Quebec. This unique combination of financial expertise and political acumen will no doubt serve him well in his new role.
Senators, you are joining a strong institution of committed Canadians here to serve the country that we all love. Now this may be a surprise to you, but not all of Canada’s citizens are aware of the incredible group of people working hard to serve them in the Senate of Canada.
In the eight years I have served in this place, I have had the honour to work with so many talented senators: physicians; surgeons; scientists; judges; lawyers; academics; mayors; ministers; premiers; former political advisers of all partisan stripes; community activists; sports heroes — oh, the sports heroes — journalists; authors; actors; artists and business people; police chiefs; Indigenous chiefs and other inspirational First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders; an Auditor General and a Lieutenant General — a wide and varied collection of talent, experience and perspectives.
You are in good company. We do not all agree on issues and policies of the day, but there is no denying the respect we have for one another.
Senators Gerba, Sorensen, Gignac and Audette, it is my honour, on behalf of the CSG, to welcome you to the Senate family. We look forward to working with you in the Forty-fourth Parliament.
[Translation]
Adjournment
Motion Adopted
Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I move:
That the Senate do now adjourn until tomorrow, Tuesday, November 23, 2021, at 12:15 p.m.
(Motion agreed to.)
(At 2:20 p.m., the Senate was continued until tomorrow at 12:15 p.m.)