Honourable senators, I rise today as a proud alumna of the University of British Columbia, or UBC, to recognize the outstanding students from UBC who are taking part in the 2025 UBC Women in House Program. They are Lindsay Burlie, Elizabeth Semowo, Rebecca Zuk, Ashley Macdonald, Christy Lim, Bahaar Abbas, Salina Dolmo Lama, Concha Sousa, Lindsey Eiwanger and Simi Sahota. A special thank you as well to Rebecca Monnerat, Tina Alexander and Gerald Baier, who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this year’s program.

UBC has long been a cornerstone of excellence, innovation and leadership in the province. Since its founding in 1908, UBC has evolved from a small provincial institution into one of the world’s leading public universities, a place where learning meets purpose and research drives real-world impact.

The UBC Women in House Program stands as a shining example of that commitment, empowering young women to step into spaces of leadership, policy and public service. Established in 2019, the UBC Women in House Program has become a proud initiative of the UBC School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and the Liu Institute for Global Issues, underscoring UBC’s enduring dedication to women’s leadership, mentorship and experiential learning.

Through this program, delegates gain valuable mentorship, form meaningful professional networks and develop a deeper understanding of public service, all within a setting designed to break down barriers and amplify women’s voices in decision-making roles.

This morning, I had the honour of co-hosting a networking breakfast for the 2025 UBC Women in House delegates. These bright, resilient and determined women have spent the day shadowing female parliamentarians, observing their work and learning first-hand about the challenges and rewards of public life. I extend sincere gratitude to my fellow parliamentarians who have welcomed the UBC students to shadow them for the day and to offer them insights they could only gain by being here inside the Ottawa bubble. Thank you, Senators Busson and White.

As this year’s UBC Women in House is taking place in October — Women’s History Month in Canada — this program has taken on even greater significance. Each October, we celebrate the women who have shaped our nation’s history, from the Famous Five, who fought for equality under the law, to the countless women who continue to lead in government, education, science and every facet of society. Women in House embodies that same spirit of courage and progress, creating pathways for young women to follow in their footsteps and build on their legacy.

Honourable senators, please join me in applauding the UBC Women in House class of 2025!