Honourable senators, on behalf of the Speaker of the Senate and myself, I would like to take a moment to extend to you our warmest wishes and sincere thanks.

I would first like to salute the exceptional work of each of you, honourable senators, and your teams, and to express my gratitude to all the Senate staff and our parliamentary partners.

Hundreds and hundreds of talented, dedicated and competent people are working tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to help us perform our duties and ensure the efficient operation of our esteemed institution. Without their contribution, fulfilling our constitutional mandate would simply not be possible. When we return from a restful holiday, hopefully, together let us continue to strive for excellence for our great country. The work we do here has a real impact on the lives of all Canadians.

Happy holidays to you all, and best wishes for a new year filled with joy, health and happiness. Thank you. Meegwetch.