SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Congratulations to Graduates

Honourable senators, as we redouble our efforts here in the Senate to move important legislation forward during this intensely full month of June, much of our country is operating in a parallel universe — one filled with celebration, elation and well-earned satisfaction. Colleagues, graduation and convocation season is in full swing across our country.

Yesterday, I had the absolute delight to attend the graduation ceremony of my grandson, Niko Brown, at Sir Robert Borden High School, the school from which I graduated 53 years ago. It was a high-octane, emotional event, and I am so proud of Niko, his girlfriend, Sage Wright, and all of their classmates.

I am looking forward with great pride to the graduation of my other grandson, Jack McCarthy, from Dr. John Hugh Gillis Regional High School at home in Antigonish, and — more family joy — my daughter Lindi Coyle graduated in May from Acadia University with a Master of Science in Applied Geomatics, measuring methane emissions from the melting permafrost in the N.W.T.

In my Senate office family, Asta Stalker, Anuja Purohit, Cameron Bailey and Rhiannon Szewczyk are graduating from the University of Ottawa’s law school this month. Other senators also have family graduation celebrations, too. Among these are Senator Yussuff’s daughter Sarah Yussuff Ahn, who is graduating from high school and heading to Toronto Metropolitan University.

Senator Boudreau’s daughter Gabrielle Boudreau earned her bachelor’s degree in social sciences, specializing in criminology, at the Université de Moncton.

Senator Francis’s son John-Ryan received his Bachelor’s Degree in Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey Social Work from St. Thomas University, and his granddaughter Kate Coade is graduating from junior high.

Senator White’s grandson Tyrone Gaudon graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Memorial University.

Madison Pate-Green, daughter of Senator Pate, is receiving a Juris Doctor and a Juris Indigenarum Doctor from the University of Victoria Indigenous law program.

Senator MacAdam’s grandson Grayson is graduating from junior high.

And, colleagues, we have three remarkable senators joining the class of 2026 that I know of.

On Monday, Senator Karen Sorensen will be receiving an honorary degree from the University of Guelph for her many contributions to public service and civic responsibility.

Our colleague Senator Marnie McBean will be receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Toronto as a four-time Olympic medallist and for her advocacy on equity and inclusion.

Our former colleague the Honourable George Furey received an honorary degree from Memorial University for his public service and contributions to Newfoundland and Labrador.

Honourable senators, let’s rise, applaud and congratulate all our colleagues, our family members and all the graduating class of 2026 from coast to coast to coast. We are all so very proud of you.