Honourable senators, this week marks the first anniversary of the formation of the Canadian Senators Group. At the beginning of this Forty-third Parliament, 13 of us came together around a common set of principles, including robust and respectful debate in the chamber, supported by strong, clear, in-depth research and with an unwavering focus on our job with respect to representing our regions.

We in the CSG all favour being part of a smaller group. Small is beautiful, to our way of thinking. That is why we are committed to capping our membership at 25 senators. We want to have influence, but we have no ambition to control the Senate.

Of course, our first year hasn’t exactly unfolded as expected, but CSG operations are now in full swing. Our research bureau has published 36 pieces on a wide range of legislative, fiscal and public policy issues — and has done so in both official languages — and continues to scan the horizon to keep us informed.

Senators, your CSG colleagues are proud to serve with you in the Senate of Canada and we look forward to representing our regions and, indeed, all Canadians in this new era of Senate reform. Thank you.