Honourable senators, I rise today to inform you that Phillipe Bélanger, a young Senate employee, passed away on March 2. He was just 40 years old. Phillipe drove our shuttle buses and always greeted us with a beautiful smile.

A native of Edmundston, Phillipe lived life to the fullest through his love of and appreciation for nature. He loved climbing, hiking in the woods, downhill skiing, snowboarding and other outdoor activities.

A snowboarding accident when he was younger nearly cost him his life, but thanks to the exceptional dedication of his father Bertrand, a physiotherapist, and his mother Lise, a nurse, Phillipe recovered, and he was more determined than ever to make every second of his life count.

In June 2019, Phillipe informed us that he had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease. It was sad news, but Phillipe was determined to beat this disease, and he diligently participated in clinical trials in Montreal. He remained positive up until a few months ago. During that time, Phillipe travelled with me from Gatineau to Edmundston several times to visit his parents and friends. The trip was definitely hard on him, but he shared his deepest thoughts with me, always with a smile. I so enjoyed those times and especially his company.

He enjoyed those visits, but he always looked forward to returning to his little daughters and his wife, Martine, his treasures.

Phillipe left us far too soon, but his memory shall remain with us always. As the song by Angèle Arsenault goes, there is a star for you, there is a star for each and every one of us. Thanks to his parents’ devotion, there is indeed a star for Phillipe, a star that will always shine brightly for us.

Honourable senators, please join me and Senator Mockler in extending our sincere condolences to his wife Martine, his two young daughters, Marguerite and Clémence, his parents, Bertrand and Lise Bélanger, and his sisters, Josette and Martine.

This is a sad occasion. Thank you.