Honourable senators, Frank Plummer is a name many Canadians will not know, but it is a name Canadians should know. His scientific work and health improvement legacy have positively impacted the lives of people across our nation and across the globe.

Sadly, we recently and unexpectedly lost Dr. Plummer. He died in Africa, while working on yet another life-enhancing project, a death reported by most national news organizations in the Western world and beyond. Today in this chamber, I would like to recognize and memorialize his achievements.

Frank Plummer’s passion was science, and his legacy is the application of the best available science to improve health and health care.

He was the Scientific Director of the National Microbiology Laboratory, one of the world’s leading laboratories, which strives to study and respond to lethal viruses, such as the coronavirus we are now facing. He was the Special Advisor to the Chief Public Health Officer of the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Some of his groundbreaking work in Kenya provided the foundation for our ability to understand and effectively address the HIV/AIDS epidemic. He played a leading role in both our national and the global response to SARS, and he oversaw the development of the vaccine for Ebola and viral hemorrhagic fever. Dr. Plummer was recognized for his work with the Order of Canada, the Killam Prize for AIDS research, the McLaughlin Medal, the Gairdner Wightman Award and the Order of Manitoba, just to name a few.

He was also not afraid to face adversity. He spoke openly about his alcohol abuse and the innovative deep brain stimulation neurosurgery that finally helped ameliorate his alcohol dependence, changing stereotypes of who suffers from this scourge and how alcoholism can be treated.

Dr. Frank Plummer was a Canadian health and science hero. He helped save the lives of countless people in our country and all over the world.

So, honourable senators, today I am raising our awareness of this outstanding Canadian and, through you, I am sharing his name with all Canadians. My deepest condolences to his family. Thank you, Frank Plummer, for all that you have given to us.