SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Telling Our Story

Honourable senators, one of my favourite country artists is the legend himself, Mr. George Jones. While I am a huge fan of many of his songs, one of my most favourite songs is “Choices.”

The song’s lyrics tell of how the choices we make on our own journey of life will dictate where the road most likely will lead us.

During the past couple of months, I have been looking back at my journey and the choices I have made. On March 30, 2026, it marked the fortieth anniversary of my election as a town councillor in my hometown of St. Bride’s at the tender age of 22. Following 10 years of service as a member of the House of Assembly in Newfoundland and Labrador, I was elected to the House of Commons in January 2006. Thus, this past January marked my twentieth year here in Ottawa, first as a member of Parliament and then since joining you here in the Senate in 2009.

My wife, Sandra — a very patient lady, may I add — our son Fabian Jr. and his wife, Gina; our son Mark; and our daughter, Heather, along with our two precious grandchildren, Fabian III and Ricki Ann, have been my support system during this journey, and I will be forever grateful for their continued support and love.

My mother often advised us that every now and again, we should stop, sit back and take the time to look at the road on which we have travelled and, even more importantly, explore the options that are available to us as we map out the journey ahead. For the last several months, I have been doing just that. I have been talking and listening to family and friends and seeking their advice and wisdom.

Except for some minor health issues that we all endure as the clock keeps on ticking, I am enjoying great health and looking forward to what I hope and pray my many tomorrows will bring.

I have had several conversations with my immediate family, and I have sat and talked with a few of my close colleagues back home on the island and here in the Senate Chamber. I made a couple of visits to my family doctor and sought the advice of my very close friend Dr. Ravalia, seeking not only his medical advice but also his sage guidance on other aspects of life. I did not know Dr. Rav before he arrived here in the Senate, but through the years, Rav has become a very close family friend and confidant, even on the days that he attempts to orchestrate a coup to take over as the Chair of the Fisheries and Oceans Committee.

I have taken the time to run my thought process through my other Newfoundland and Labrador colleagues, Senators Petten, Wells and White, and I thank them for their encouragement and support. Let me take a moment to say that it is my honour to be serving with all four of my island colleagues here in this very honourable house, and we miss terribly our former colleague Senator Marshall.

With all that said, I would like to make what I believe is a very important announcement today, and I sincerely apologize to my leader, Senator Housakos, whom I did not advise of this decision. I hope and trust that he will understand.

Now that I feel a level of comfort that I have your attention, I would like to announce that when the Senate reconvenes in September for the fall session, I will be beginning a new chapter, and it will be Chapter 101.

Yes, my friends, after much thought and consideration, I have decided that even though I have told you many stories of the people, places and events of the place I am so happy and proud to call home, there is so much more to tell.

From the pine-clad hills, to the windswept shores, to watching the earliest sunrise in North America, to enjoying a memorable night of music and fun on our famous George Street, to the northern lights of Labrador and to the quiet of the coves and bays throughout our province, you will never be disappointed because there are no strangers there — only friends you haven’t met.

I look forward this coming fall to beginning the process of bringing you volume 2 and the next 100 chapters of “Telling Our Story” about Newfoundland and Labrador: the Rock, the Big Land and my home sweet home.