SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Honourable Sharon Burey

Honourable senators, I rise today to extend my congratulations to my seatmate Senator Burey, but before I do, I want to acknowledge Senator Cotter and let him know the following: Senator Cotter, you did better than you could. You did the best. I will miss your reasoned and eloquent arguments made in this chamber that were delivered so well that this surgeon could always understand them.

I rise today to extend my congratulations to Senator Burey who was recently honoured with the prestigious Life Membership Award by the Ontario Medical Association, or OMA. This award recognizes members who have made outstanding contributions to the association’s work, as well as the advancement of medical science and impactful initiatives at the provincial level to benefit the medical profession.

Senator Burey received this well-deserved recognition during the OMA’s annual general meeting last week at the St. Clair College Centre for the Arts. Among her many accomplishments, Dr. Burey was the first woman of colour to serve as the president of the Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario. She also founded Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Windsor, contributed as a member of the Pediatricians of Ontario Executive Committee and served on the OMA’s Health Policy Committee.

Senator Burey’s advocacy transcends her professional achievements. Her leadership embodies a deep commitment to equity, justice and the pursuit of better health for all — values that resonate profoundly as we mark International Universal Health Coverage Day tomorrow.

This is an important day to recommit to the idea that everyone everywhere should have access to safe, high-quality, affordable health care. Universal health coverage is grounded on the principles of equity, non-discrimination and the fundamental right to health. Note that the right to health is a human right and a legally binding commitment enshrined in international human rights commitments.

Universal health coverage seeks to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly populations made vulnerable. This vision includes addressing gaps in access to essential services and advocating for care that is based on need rather than the ability to pay, whether it’s for contraception or mental health care.

Senator Burey works tirelessly to advocate for youth mental health and has called for “mental health parity” to ensure that mental health care is treated with the same urgency and importance as physical health care. This advocacy aligns seamlessly with the principles of universal health coverage.

In celebrating Senator Burey’s achievements, we are reminded of the power of leadership to inspire meaningful change. Her dedication to advancing health equity and breaking barriers in medicine is an inspiration for many of us and a testament to the difference that committed individuals can make in addressing systemic challenges.

Senator Burey, thank you and meegwetch. It is an honour to call you a colleague and friend.