Honourable senators, this item stands adjourned in the name of the Honourable Senator Plett. After my intervention today, I ask for leave that it remain adjourned in his name.

[Editor’s Note: Senator Al Zaibak spoke in Arabic.]

Honourable senators, as I rise today for the first time in this chamber to participate in the debate on the Speech from the Throne, it is very fitting that I am filled with only one emotion: deep and profound humility.

In that spirit of humility, and with reverence, I begin by recognizing that we gather on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe people, who have lived on this land since time immemorial and whose stewardship of this land predates us all.

Honourable colleagues, I was born in Damascus, Syria. Both Damascus and Syria are steeped in history known as the Cradle of Civilization. For centuries, Damascus stood as a beacon of learning and culture and as a crossroads of humanity’s shared story.

I chose to come to Canada because here, in this relatively young country, I saw the promise of my authentic culture and ancient civilization being fulfilled. I saw a country with kindness and decency woven into its national character. I saw leaders who acted in global affairs out of that same spirit of decency and moral purpose. I saw a country that had collectively decided to use its wealth and privilege to help lift up other countries.

My fellow senators, I fell in love with Canada and its people. I discovered, to my great joy, that Canada loved me back.

Canada welcomed me in my search for a better future. This country has given me personal and career opportunities beyond my dreams. To now serve as a senator in the upper chamber of one of the most democratic nations in the modern world is not just an honour for me, but a testament to Canada’s diversity, inclusivity and shared commitment to mutual respect and understanding.

When I reflect on my journey, I am grateful to Canada. That sense of gratitude fuels my desire to give back to the country I love so very dearly and deeply.

Honourable colleagues, the Senate is often referred to as “the place of sober second thought,” where legislation is carefully examined and refined before becoming law. This reputation is well deserved.

I am absolutely impressed by the calibre of my fellow senators. Your commitment to serving Canada inspires me, and your collective experience and wisdom speaks to the importance of this chamber’s role in our democracy.

I am also acutely aware that my own time in this chamber is finite. So if I seem to be in a hurry, it is because I am determined to make the most of every moment and contribute as much as I can to the important work we do together.

When I turn 75, I will hopefully have repaid some of the debt I owe my beloved Canada. Then I can begin repaying the debt I owe my incredibly supportive wife and family, perhaps with a very long family vacation.

We have all come to this chamber from different places, experiences and cultures, yet we put those differences aside and work toward a common goal. As a Syrian, I know first-hand the devastating consequences when societies are steered and drift into conflict over cooperation. My homeland was once a symbol of resilience, coexistence and harmony. Today, it is a stark reminder of what can happen when division supplants dialogue and mistrust overrides common purpose.

Canada, by contrast, has shown the world the power of embracing diversity. Here, we build bridges rather than walls. But this is not something we can take for granted. Our country, like any other, must constantly work to be the best possible version of itself. The Canadian way of life, rooted in inclusivity, peace and respect for human rights, offers a model to the whole world. These are not abstract ideals; they are living principles that shape how we interact, govern and grow as a society.

When I was a new immigrant to Canada and a younger man, I used to watch parliamentary debates in the House of Commons with reverence and awe. I watched and listened to giants like the Right Honourable Joe Clark, Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien and watched video replays of Pierre Trudeau and John Turner as they debated the important issues of the day with intellect, rigour, passion and fidelity to the facts with great honesty and integrity.

The leaders I admired rarely stooped to petty personal attacks, nor did they speak in sound bites or perform only for their constituencies. Instead, they elevated our public discourse. In doing so, they elevated us all.

That sense of decorum, the idea that parliamentary debate should focus on the merits of an argument rather than on the personalities involved, has stayed with me. I believe it lives on here in this chamber and that it is worth preserving. It serves us, and all Canadians, so much better than the alternative.

I know this is true because I have already seen this spirit in action. Last February, shortly after I was sworn in, this place showed how truly thoughtful it was during the debate on third reading of Bill C-62. It was a thoughtful and passionate discussion, because any conversation on medical assistance in dying is not an easy one to have — and it never will be. At that time, we saw senators representing the opposition party supporting this government’s proposed bill, while others, most of whom were appointees of the current government, did not. In the end, the bill passed without amendment.

The professionalism and deep level of respect at work in this chamber during that significant debate, despite how highly sensitive the discussion was, made me proud to sit among you, colleagues.

Notwithstanding the divisions and challenges of our time, this is what Canada is truly about: a country rooted in respect for one another. That event in this chamber back in February was a clear demonstration of this, and clear evidence — at least to me — of non-partisanship and independence in this reformed Senate.

My experiences as a Syrian-born Canadian have shaped my understanding of the importance of unity. Canada has embraced people from all corners of the globe, creating a rich tapestry of cultures, faiths and traditions. Our diversity is a strength, but it requires constant nurturing.

The Canadian-Arab communities and the Canadian-Muslim communities — two culturally distinct and diverse communities with some important overlap and of which I am a proud member — are integral parts of our social fabric. Despite their immense contributions, these communities often face misunderstanding and under-representation.

As the only Arab Canadian now serving in this chamber, I feel a profound responsibility to be a voice for these communities, to champion and celebrate their achievements and to advocate for greater inclusion at all levels of government and society. I will speak about this in more detail in the days ahead.

On the global stage, Canada has long been a trusted partner, an honest broker and a beacon of peace and stability. But our leadership role must always be renewed. In a world of shifting alliances and rising tensions, we cannot afford to be complacent.

Canada’s reputation as a peacemaker gives us unique opportunities to influence global issues from climate change to conflict resolution. In particular, I believe we need to reaffirm our leadership role in fostering peace in regions like the Middle East and Africa where decades of unrest have caused catastrophic suffering.

As we engage internationally, we must also remember that leadership begins at home. By building a more harmonious and inclusive Canada where we always try to follow the better angels of our nature, we can set an example for the world. This is also something I will speak about in my time here in the Red Chamber.

In the coming months, I pledge to speak more about other top priorities during my time in this chamber and beyond, priorities which largely reflect those stated in the Speech from the Throne, and I hope to engage Canadians in conversations that shape our collective future.

Honourable senators, as I have settled into this role, I have come to appreciate the extraordinary efforts of the women and men who work behind the scenes to ensure the Senate functions seamlessly. These dedicated professionals are the unsung heroes of our democracy, top-talented experts who work the complex and invisible machinery that makes the Senate function daily. Without their expertise and commitment, our work would not be possible.

I extend my heartfelt thanks to them and encourage all of us to recognize the essential role they play in sustaining our democratic institutions.

Senator Al Zaibak, unfortunately, your time has expired. Are you asking for more time to finish your speech?

Can we ask for leave?

Is leave granted, honourable senators?

Thank you, my colleagues.

To you, my colleagues, I pledge to take up your work and your good example. I will work tirelessly to promote understanding, dialogue and cooperation among people regardless of their background and beliefs. I will strive to build bridges of peace, trust and mutual respect, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity that transcends the boundaries of geography or culture.

Honourable colleagues, my time in Canada has taught me many lessons. I have learned that working together is a surer path to success than working alone. I have seen that adding and integrating new cultures is better than living in isolation and division. I have experienced that a life of service is superior to a sense of selfishness, and that living for our future is better than living in an imagined past. And, above all, building each other up is the only way to move forward as a people.

May we work together as members of different cultures for our future as we build one another up and build a better Canada.

Thank you, meegwetch and shukran.