SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Independent Senators Group

Honourable senators, the statement that I’m about to make will be my last as leader of the Independent Senators Group, or ISG. It’s been a consummate privilege to represent and serve this group as leader for the past eight years.

Next week, the Independent Senators Group, or ISG, will proceed with an election, for which we have strong and competent candidates. Whichever way this election goes, I am confident our group will be in good hands and ready to continue serving Canadians in this institution with integrity and purpose. They can count on my absolute collaboration in the future as a proud member.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the ISG members, but especially my fantastic and dedicated colleagues on the facilitation team, as well as the highly capable team at the ISG Secretariat. I want to thank Senator Clement, Senator Arnot and Senator Petitclerc for their invaluable contributions, their collegiality and their support. I also want to thank my former colleagues, including Senator Dean for his trust, Senator Duncan for her dedication, and former Senators Omidvar and Gold for their contributions to this group’s leadership.

A special thank you to our former facilitator Senator Woo, whom I had the pleasure of working alongside for four years and who deserves a lot of credit for paving the way.

I also want to recognize the roster of leadership for 2025, Senator Moreau, Senator Housakos, Senator Tannas and Senator Francis. It was truly a pleasure to work so closely and collegially with all of you. We shared the common objective of fulfilling this institution’s role in the best interest of Canadians.

Since I started this leadership journey in 2017, I have been honoured to contribute to the renewal of a Senate that is more aligned with its constitutional role. The foundations are strong, and the tools are now firmly in place in the legislation and the rules.

I leave this role with gratitude, confidence and deep respect for this institution and all its members.

Throughout my time in leadership, I have tried to promote a culture of disciplined preparation, evidence-based legislative work and respect for the Senate’s constitutional role. If I leave any legacy, I hope it is the strengthening of that culture — one grounded in expertise, collegiality and a deep sense of responsibility toward Canadians and the institution we serve.

I thank you all for indulging me, and I look forward to continuing working with all of you, maybe now with just a little bit more time and freedom.

I wish you all the best during this holiday season.

Enjoy the holiday break, safe travels and see you in the new year. Thank you, meegwetch.