SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Honourable Fabian Manning

Honourable senators, I rise in the chamber today to pay tribute to a dedicated parliamentarian, a fierce advocate for our coastal communities and a very dear friend of mine. It is my distinct privilege to recognize the Honourable Senator Fabian Manning for an incredible milestone: marking 15 years as Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans.

For a decade and a half, Senator Manning has been the steady hand at the helm of this crucial committee. As someone who hails from rural Newfoundland and Labrador, his connection to the water is in his very DNA. He didn’t just study our fishing industry and marine ecosystems; he lived the reality of the people who depend on them.

Under his leadership, the Fisheries and Oceans Committee has tackled some of the most complex, vital issues facing our country. From championing the safety and recognition of our Canadian Coast Guard to addressing the delicate balance of our marine ecosystems, to leading the incisive Peace on the Water study and to standing up for hard-working Canadian harvesters, Senator Manning’s approach has always been rooted in common sense, collaboration and a deep respect for the men and women who make their living from the sea.

He has travelled extensively, from coast to coast to coast, sitting down with Indigenous fishers, coastal mayors and industry experts. He has ensured that the voices of those working on the water are genuinely heard in the halls of Ottawa. He truly embodies the spirit of his famous Senate speeches by always ensuring he is “Telling Our Story.”

Colleagues, leading a committee for 15 years is no small feat. It requires immense patience, a deep understanding of policy and an unwavering commitment to public service. Senator Manning has provided exactly that. He has guided our committee through shifting tides, changing governments and countless legislative studies with grace, humour and an unmatched passion for our home province.

Whether he is shedding light on the complexities of the commercial licensing regime or advocating for the resilient people who call our coastal communities home, he has proven time and again to be an invaluable asset to this chamber and to all of Canada.

As a former chair of this committee, I ask all honourable senators to join me in congratulating Senator Fabian Manning on 15 remarkable years as Chair of the Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans. Fabian, thank you for your enduring dedication to our oceans, our fisheries, our country and for your global sense of humanity.

Thank you. Meegwetch.