Honourable senators, the Honourable Coach Demers has asked me to speak on his behalf.

Before I begin, however, I’d like to share an anecdote that came to mind as I was listening to you. I, too, would like to illustrate just how much of a legend Jacques Demers has become in Quebec.

You’ve talked about the importance of Senator Demers and the role he’s played in your lives. Your anecdotes remind me that, when I was returning from Barcelona in 1992 with my very first medal from the Paralympic Games, at a time when Paralympic sports weren’t all that well known, I was asked if I’d agree to give an interview on RDS. That was a really big deal for me at the time. I was very excited and I thought my father would likely be very pleased to hear that I was going to be on RDS for my first interview. My father’s first reaction was to say, “You’re so lucky, you’re going to meet Jacques Demers”! That speaks volumes about what Jacques Demers means to Quebecers.

It is a great pleasure and privilege for me to read the message from the Honourable Jacques Demers, who is watching us right now.

[On behalf of the Hon. Jacques Demers]

Mr. Speaker, honourable senators, it is with great emotion that I address the chamber today, for the last time.

As the buzzer sounds the end of my period in the Senate, today I wish you farewell. Ten years have passed since I was appointed, and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to sit in this upper chamber, the Senate. I am blessed to have had the fortune to count you among my friends and colleagues. The journey was difficult at times, but I always had your help, support and, above all, your respect. With the benefit of your knowledge and skills I was able to acquit myself of my duties. Parliamentary life, with its unique challenges, is very different from life in the sports world. Each of you, in your own way, have given me something that I will fondly remember.

I want to thank all the support staff, our Senate pages who do a fantastic job, the maintenance staff, and the bus drivers who often made me laugh with their comments and advice for the Montreal Canadiens. To all those who make our work more enjoyable, to the cafeteria staff and to our helpful messengers, and also to all those who work behind the scenes, thank you very much.

The past three years have been very difficult, and I have made it through thanks to the determination and support of Line Tessier, my associate and right-hand woman for the past 10 years. She encouraged me to keep going and to remain positive, allowing me to stay on track. Line has more than 35 years of experience in Parliament, and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate her on celebrating 25 years at the Senate this past April. I also want to thank her for her loyalty, professionalism, thoughtfulness in the face of my current situation, unwavering dedication and unconditional support. Line was indispensable to me over the course of my 10 years in politics, and I will never be able to thank her enough.

My dear colleagues and friends, it was an honour to sit and work with you. As this period of my life comes to an end, I move into retirement.

Senator Petitclerc, thank you for your boundless generosity and for agreeing to speak on my behalf today.

I thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart.

Your coach, Senator Jacques Demers.

Thank you, Coach.