SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Speaker pro tempore of the Senate
Candidates' Remarks
June 3, 2025
Honourable senators, as announced last Thursday, senators had until yesterday, Monday, June 2, at noon to submit their names as candidates for the position of Speaker pro tempore of the Senate.
Today, during the statements by senators, we will hear from the two candidates: the Honourable René Cormier and the Honourable Pierrette Ringuette.
The order of speakers will be determined by drawing lots.
The first candidate to give their speech will be the Honourable Pierrette Ringuette.
Honourable senators, I, too, want to thank and congratulate the Senate staff, the Speaker and, especially the Usher of the Black Rod, for their outstanding work during the King’s historic visit to deliver the Speech from the Throne. Well done, Mr. Peters, and your team.
Colleagues, I will be short and to the point. This is the third election for our Speaker pro tempore. Last Thursday, I gave notice of my candidacy to our Clerk. You have also received from me an email outlining my relevant experience for the position, gained during my career. Once again, I ask for your support as I seek another term.
Our constitutional mandate to objectively review legislation calls upon us to debate controversial issues some of the time. As we come from different regions and backgrounds, it is important that all voices be heard and valued. Together, we can navigate challenging issues. We will differ sometimes in perspective. This is normal. However, the expression of opinions must occur respectfully. The success of our efforts and our effectiveness as a Parliament depend upon fair, accurate and decisive arbitration from the Speaker’s chair.
The person sitting in the chair must not only be very familiar with the rules and decorum, but, in my opinion, they must also have a particular vision, which is acquired through experience.
In my case, my experience and perspective guide me in being respectful, fair and impartial towards all senators. These attributes give you, senators, confidence in the chair and in the process adhered to, generating productive outcomes for the Senate and for all Canadians.
Since 2020, senators have been able to see my professionalism in the chair, and I hope our new senators will be able to benefit from it as well.
In closing, I would be honoured to serve again as your Speaker pro tempore to guide our deliberations in this new Parliament. Thank you, meegwetch, wela’lioq.
Honourable senators, in the last months, being away from the Senate due to prorogation and the elections was a great opportunity for me to reflect upon the important role of the Senate and the contribution I can make to this institution.
Looking back on my first nine years, I took stock of what I had accomplished and began focusing on the five years ahead, leading up to my retirement.
As most of you know, I have been very present and active in this chamber. In the absence of the Speaker pro tempore, I had the privilege to preside as the Acting Speaker on several occasions. Outside the chamber, I have been involved in parliamentary diplomacy by participating in several missions, and I co-founded two friendship groups.
With the arrival of new senators and the opening of the Forty-fifth Parliament, I reflected deeply on the importance of sharing leadership and making space for others in the different positions I hold.
With that in mind, senators, and if given the opportunity to be elected Speaker pro tempore, I have decided it is time for me to step down from all executive committees and entirely dedicate myself to this chamber.
In my recent conversations with you, I heard that senators would appreciate better respect of the Rules, certainly more respect for decorum and more consideration to ensure equal opportunity for everyone to be recognized, to speak and to be heard in the chamber, no matter where they sit.
If we have the right to speak, colleagues, we also have the responsibility to listen, and that is only possible if we fully respect the decorum, which is a shared responsibility amongst us.
What kind of experience and expertise do I possess to occupy this important function? After nine years, I have a good understanding of the Senate’s operations, its main components and the political dynamics at play. Although mastering the Rules is an ongoing learning process for all of us, I have a good knowledge of them, and I am thankful to the clerks, who offer great support when we hold this position.
My seven years’ experience as a committee chair has confirmed my ability to be efficient, fair and equitable, while respecting the different approaches, viewpoints and diversity of colleagues.
I am known for my willingness to listen, for putting the common good ahead of my own personal beliefs and interests, and for creating a working environment that is conducive to lively, yet constructive and respectful, debate.
Before joining the Senate, colleagues, I dedicated my whole career to bringing together people from different backgrounds and aspirations around common objectives.
So if you place your trust in me, I pledge to devote all my time, passion and energy to carrying out this mandate.
I will also ensure that all senators can be heard and listened to in the official language of their choice.
Honourable senators, we are stewards of democracy. I wish Senator Ringuette the best of luck, and I thank you for your support and attention.
As there are only two candidates, ranked ballots will not be necessary. Voting will begin in one hour, at 3:09 p.m., and continue until one hour after the adjournment of the Senate today. Voting will resume tomorrow, Wednesday, June 4, at 11 a.m. (eastern time) and will end one hour after the adjournment of the Senate, provided that any senator who was waiting at that time has had an opportunity to vote.
An email from the Chamber Operations and Procedure Office will be sent to confirm the opening of the polling station today and tomorrow. I remind you, that the polling station will be located in the senators’ workstations next to the reading room. Reminders will be sent periodically during the voting period today and tomorrow.
