Colleagues, every May, we welcome scientists from across the country to Parliament as part of the Science Meets Parliament program. This program is a joint initiative between the Canadian Science Policy Centre and the Office of the Chief Science Advisor, Dr. Mona Nemer, to strengthen ties between Canada’s scientific and political communities, enable two-way dialogue and promote mutual understanding.

On behalf of the four Senate co-champions of the event — Senators Seidman, Kutcher, Mégie and myself — I would like to thank the scientists who have taken the time to travel to Ottawa and meet with policymakers to share their knowledge and experience in the scientific and academic worlds. These exchanges are crucial for the development of more effective policies.

The world is becoming more and more complex and changing rapidly, and the policies that we adopt here at Parliament need to reflect that. Artificial intelligence, for example, is expanding exponentially and poses both a great opportunity for and a challenging risk to society.

While we have witnessed great advancement in disease prevention and vaccine development, our health care systems are being overstretched. Climate change has completely upended our relationship with the planet and the way we live and work.

These important issues of our time have all been identified, studied and understood by scientists around the world. Scientists, complemented by traditional knowledge for a more holistic approach to Western science, are also the ones who can offer solutions and pathways for a better future.

It is our responsibility to ensure that our policy decisions are based on the best available scientific facts and evidence. This requires ongoing training and engagement with experts in various fields. We need to be proactive and seek out opportunities to learn about important issues affecting Canadians, and to keep abreast of the latest developments in science and technology.

In undertaking our parliamentary duties, we need to recognize our political biases and try to take an objective, evidence-based approach.

Senators, I encourage you to seek out knowledge and science constantly, for both your own benefit and that of all Canadians.

Please join us at the Science Meets Parliament reception today from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. — though the time will depend on our vote and debate — at the Shaw Centre. You will have the opportunity to meet some incredible Canadian scientists while learning along the way.

Thank you. Meegwetch.