Honourable senators, today I rise to pay a special tribute to the late Honourable Claudette Bradshaw from my home in Moncton, New Brunswick. I have known Claudette for over 40 years, and she was a trailblazer and a fierce advocate for marginalized people, especially children.

Her unique personality and passion for social justice is being remembered by many at home in New Brunswick and across Canada. Tributes from prime ministers, former staff and friends have been pouring out as we grieve this huge loss. Last Friday, hundreds attended her funeral mass while others watched it by video — a tribute to how much she was loved.

Claudette grew up in Moncton in an Acadian family and began her career at the Boys & Girls Club of Moncton, where she met the love of her life, Doug Bradshaw. They were married for 54 years and raised two sons, Nicholas and Christopher. She adored her family, her community and Moncton.

In 1974, Claudette founded the Moncton Headstart. Beginning as a small daycare for low-income families, it grew under Claudette’s capable leadership into a family intervention centre serving families and children at risk. Claudette worked around the clock for these families. She cared deeply about people. She was selfless, and she loved giving big hugs. Her large yard sales were a trademark fundraiser for her non-profit. She had a lot of community support, as it was very hard to say no to Claudette.

Claudette was known throughout Canada. Our colleague, Senator Saint-Germain, who met Claudette at the organizing committee for the Francophonie Summit in 1999, had this to say about her:

Claudette was generous, easygoing and open-minded, with a great sense of humour. We must always remember to carry on her social justice work.

In 1997, she entered the political arena and ran for the federal riding of Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, my home riding. Claudette had a large support base, and she not only won the seat, but she stayed in politics for 10 years. She held several significant portfolios, including Minister responsible for Homelessness.

After she retired from politics, she continued working on issues such as mental health and homelessness, including a special project, At Home/Chez Soi. Often I would see Claudette and Doug at events in Moncton. She was always keen to discuss issues of homelessness, poverty and mental health. Claudette and Doug were a great team.

Her son, Nick, said:

Mom loved Moncton and being home in her community. She really took our lives through lots of ups and helped us through the downs, too. She was our captain.

My heartfelt sympathy to Doug, Nick, Chris and her family for their great loss, but also to her community at home for their loss of such a remarkable, generous and faithful woman. Claudette gave so much to so many, and we will remember her legacy. I sincerely believe that we must continue social justice work in her memory.

Thank you.

Colleagues, ever since Claudette Bradshaw’s death, heartfelt testimonials have poured in for this Canadian and Acadian politician.

People spoke of her tireless dedication to serving the most vulnerable, her remarkable work as a member of Parliament and minister and, especially, her humanism and her deep love of people and of life.

Serge Comeau put it so well when he wrote in Acadie Nouvelle that Claudette Bradshaw put the lie to the idea that leadership is about wielding power and strength. She was noble and compassionate. She had a big heart, she put her heart into everything she did, she wore her heart on her sleeve, she had a heart of gold.

Born Claudette Arsenault, she was known simply as “Claudette” in Acadia, much like people know instantly whom we are talking about when we say “Malala” or “Teresa.” The first time I met her was when she was a minister. Sitting face-to-face in her big ministerial office on the Hill, we talked about art, culture, the French language and Acadia. Our conversation was very formal.

Somewhat desperate, I talked to her about struggling artists, many of whom live below the poverty line. Right in the middle of our conversation, Claudette interrupted me, stood up, opened her arms wide and said, “C’mere, you!” just as we would back home. She hugged me so hard that I almost couldn’t breathe.

That hug had a transformative effect on me, because Claudette put more than simple affection into it. It was full of compassion, solidarity, support and so much love. With a simple gesture that day, she reassured me, encouraged me, motivated me and showed that she valued me. That was Claudette. By hugging people, she made them feel that they were valued and their actions mattered, regardless of their origins, social status, gender or identity.

Colleagues, political life can sometimes change those who choose this path. In the parliamentary arena, we often put up walls and sometimes take refuge in our convictions, but not Claudette Bradshaw. Her generosity knew no bounds, and she remained herself, authentic and human. She always presented her ideas and convictions with respect, determination and a lot of love.

The last time I saw Claudette, we danced a two-step together on stage at the Capitol Theatre in Moncton. It was during Les Éloizes, a gala event to recognize the contributions that artists make to our society. I was the host of the gala, and she was a special guest. I spoke with her again that evening about her hug, the one that had given me the courage to fight for artists and for Acadia. She simply smiled and opened her arms to me again, with a familiar “C’mere, you!”

Claudette was a woman of deep faith, with immense admiration for Mother Marie-Léonie. I am sure that Claudette is dancing somewhere today in that paradise she believed in. She must be hugging the entire universe with those legendary hugs of hers.

Colleagues, in today’s world, where there is so much suffering and helplessness, if we think of all the human beings on this planet who are suffering from senseless wars, my wish for them is that they meet someone like Claudette. May they all find loving, comforting and reassuring arms to snuggle up in, like I did in Claudette Arsenault Bradshaw’s. Thank you.