Honourable senators, I rise today to honour one of Canada’s great post-secondary educational institutions, Concordia University. I am honoured to be among the more than 230,000 Concordia graduates. This year, 2024, marks the university’s fiftieth anniversary.

It was in 1974 that Loyola College and Sir George Williams University merged to create Concordia University. In 2024, Concordia was ranked as the number one university under 50 years old in North America.

Today, with its six schools and faculties, the university is home to over 45,000 students. Chief among these departments is Concordia’s John Molson School of Business. With its world‑class faculty and student-centric approach, this pre‑eminent business school continues to be ranked among the top schools worldwide for entrepreneurship studies, helping make Concordia an attractive destination for foreign students.

Indeed, Concordia’s student body is diverse, representing Canada’s unique tapestry of bold and talented individuals. More than 11,000 international students, representing 150 countries, prove Concordia’s attractive qualities and international appeal.

I am particularly impressed with Concordia’s Institute for Co‑operative Education. Thousands of students have gained meaningful experience by integrating the workplace and acquiring the necessary tools to be successful upon graduation. I strongly believe in co-op learning and connecting students with prospective local employers.

Centred in the beautiful city of Montreal, the university stands as a bastion of English post-secondary education in Quebec. It is critical that we continue to protect institutions like Concordia and give them every opportunity to grow and attract students from home and abroad.

Thanks to a $400-million investment, Quartier Concordia is helping renew the city and re-energize the community-wide appeal of our city’s core. At the heart of this massive project is the university’s pledge of progressive environmental stewardship. Thanks in part to this investment, Montreal continues to be ranked among the best “student cities” in North America.

Concordia is more than just an institution of higher learning and research excellence. It’s an important part of, and actively engaged in, the well-being of Montreal’s community.

Honourable senators, I hope you will join me in celebrating Concordia University’s fiftieth anniversary and all of its faculty, staff and students — past and present — who have helped ensure its success and shape it into one of Canada’s most innovative, next-generation universities. I have no doubt its next 50 years will be as bright and promising as its first 50 years. Congratulations to Concordia University. Thank you. Meegwetch.