Honourable senators, every year at this time, after months of debating, of referring matters to committee and of reworking clauses, the Senate reaches the solemn moment when it gets ready to adjourn for the holidays, just long enough for us to forget all our passwords.

We have spent months in the noble pursuit of sober second thought. “Sober” was the promise; “thought” is still under review. And in this chamber, the second thought is rarely the last thought. We move on to the third thought, the fourth thought and, eventually, the collector’s edition with bonus commentary, just in case we missed a comma the first time. Here, reflection isn’t a step; it’s a full-season special on the parliamentary channel, probably renewed year after year.

That, colleagues, is the rhythm of the Red Chamber: steady, contemplative and frequently pausing for additional contemplation just to be safe.

This routine, unique to this chamber, also includes a certain internal evolution. For example, the team of the Government Representative in the Senate has grown from three to five members, an evolution worthy of Darwin. After gaining two more women senators, we’ve moved on from surviving as a species to managing a legislative calendar.

Amid this growth and reinvention, our Conservative colleagues haven’t sat idly by. They’ve also demonstrated remarkable institutional creativity. We watched them recruit senators in order to maintain a certain official status, which apparently comes with extra funds.

This is a bold move that deserves to be applauded and perhaps even studied in committee. I must say, the idea of a caucus of independent Conservatives is a linguistic gem as rare as a press conference between an accountant and a poet, but much more cost-effective. Their approach perfectly combines political philosophy and fiscal management. It is living proof that fiscal discipline leads to everything, even recruitment between parliamentary groups.

This session has once again shown the exceptional value of the Senate. In this place, reflection is not a pause, but rather a method, and disagreement is a superior form of public interest. Whether on matters of justice, the environment, the economy or reconciliation, we have demonstrated that debate can be both passionate and courteous, which is, frankly, quite a feat in the political world.

Behind this rigour and passion is an entire team that supports our work with professionalism and patience. I would like to thank the pages, the messengers, the clerks — two of whom are unfortunately leaving us soon — the interpreters, the security staff and everyone else who helps us appear organized, sometimes even without our knowledge. You are the guardians of our parliamentary dignity, and I thank you for that.

Finally, I wish my colleagues in all parliamentary groups a restful and well-deserved break. When we come back, refreshed and ready to go, after perhaps enjoying some sunshine, spending time with family or finding our lost luggage, we will once again be able to practise the noble art of sober second thought, although there is no point giving lost luggage a second thought because once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.

On behalf of the entire team at the Government Representative Office, I extend to you our warmest wishes for a holiday season filled with joy and peace as we usher in a happy new year.

And as Senator Pupatello now knows, I cannot show you my speech, but I will pass it along.

Honourable senators, I rise on behalf of the Conservative Party of Canada, or CPC, caucus to wish everyone a merry Christmas and all the best for the new year.

Before I get into that, I also want to highlight, on behalf of our CPC caucus, to all independent senators particularly, how we appreciate you. We thank you, in particular, because since the beginning of this Forty-fifth Parliament in May, we’ve seen your change in tone. We have seen you be less partisan; we have seen a spirit of cooperation we have not seen before, and we particularly want to thank you for that.

Particularly, we in the CPC want to thank the Canadian Senators Group, or CSG, and the Progressive Senate Group, or PSG, for your generosity of reinforcing our troops here in this chamber. It means a lot to us. And in this time of holidays and the spirit of Christmas, we call on the Independent Senators Group, the ISG, to show the same benevolence over the next few weeks.

To the government leader, Senator Moreau, do not say that I never do anything for you, because today we gave up on Question Period. That’s your Christmas gift.

Colleagues, I also have some wishes. I’ve been writing vigorously to Santa over the last few weeks, and my hope for 2026 is for the government leader to start answering some of my questions. You never know. I’ve been writing to Santa now for almost a decade, but I keep getting the same results.

In all seriousness, Senator Moreau, I appreciate very much your congeniality and our cooperative work. We both have the interests of this institution at heart. Even though you don’t answer my questions, and at times you probably don’t like my questions, I look forward to the new year and continuing to work with you.

Senator Brian Francis, you are a gentleman. You help us continue to move the train forward and make this place constructive, cooperative and effective. We appreciate very much that spirit you bring to the table.

I have left last, of course, Senator Raymonde Saint-Germain, who last week gave her last intervention as the leader of the ISG. We are going to miss her. I think the ISG is going to miss her as well. I can tell you this institution is a better place because of the leadership she provided at the table, helping the trains run on time, helping us come to a consensus when, at various occasions, consensus seemed out of reach. I hope she’s listening, wherever she is, to know full well we wish her all the best in the holiday season.

Senator Tannas, my good friend, former colleague — still a colleague — and always a fellow Conservative, in my mind, I would like to thank you for your many years of service in this institution, but particularly as Leader of the CSG. I know that leading any group is not easy, but you’ve done it always with class. You’ve come to the table and tried to find consensus with us. With me, it’s always a little bit harder — I know that — but in the end we always put our differences aside for the betterment of this institution, and that’s what counts.

I want to thank the Speaker for keeping this place civilized and keeping us in check at times when we need to be kept in check. I thank her for the dignity she brings to the chair at all times. Thank you very much, Your Honour.

And I know this holiday will be particularly special for you and your family, so enjoy the grandchild, who has a fantastic name, to boot: Leo. What a year for the Pope, for the Speaker and for the Leader of the Opposition.

A special thanks to the Senate Administration, the pages, our Parliamentary Protective Service, who keep us safe in this institution, and a special thanks to our Senate staff as well, who work so hard for us and are there for us all the time. A round of applause for all of them.

I have just two wishes for 2026: health for all Canadians and much success for our great country, one that everyone here is working hard to make the best country in the world.

We all have the same interest. It’s the greatest country in the world. Merry Christmas, all the best.

Honourable senators, as we say “Merry Christmas” and “Happy holidays” to one another, on behalf of the Independent Senators Group, I too want to show gratitude. It never ceases to amaze me all the intricate and important work that makes all of this function so beautifully.

I want to thank the Parliamentary Protective Service, which ensures our safety while also keeping an eye on our buildings, responding to emergencies and greeting us every morning and evening at the door. That is much appreciated. These people make sure that we can do our jobs safely and without worry.

I want to thank the senators’ staff, who care for us, from organizing our calendars to preparing notes and speeches, to encouraging and sometimes demanding that we rest when we’ve gone too hard for too long.

I want to thank the members of the Senate Administration who coordinate everything, including human resources, parking spots, office furniture and pay stubs. This place would be in total chaos without the essential services that these people so diligently provide.

I want to thank the pages, who anticipate all our needs, from dropping off and picking up documents to hearing scratchy voices and delivering water and ensuring the chamber is ready for action.

Finally, thank you to all those who take care of everything else: setting up and tearing down, the kitchen, cleaning, repairs and coordination. All of this behind-the-scenes work is so well done that it often goes unnoticed.

Thank you to our dear Speaker, the Honourable Raymonde Gagné, who is always elegant and impressive.

I can’t resist; I have to come back and thank two people who are at the heart of how this chamber functions properly, Till Heyde and Gérald Lafrenière. Today we say not only “Merry Christmas” but “Happy retirement.”

I studied law with Gerry’s sister, Lise. I know he comes from a wonderful family and that his four daughters — Melanie, Annika, Gabrielle, and Katrina, now grown — are delighted to see him more often, as are his lovely wife, Danielle, and, of course, their beloved dog, Pogo.

With over 30 years of service, Gerry has been an adviser, a mentor, and, as Senator Martin said, a trusted leader whose strategic advice has influenced countless decisions and strengthened the institutional structure of the Senate. The strong relationships he has built within the Senate community continue to serve as a model of professionalism, integrity and collaboration. Thank you, Gerry.

Till has served numerous Speakers in his role: Speaker Kinsella, Speaker Nolin, Speaker Housakos, Speaker Furey and now Speaker Gagné. His fingerprints are on all of the major procedural documents and the Rules of the Senate. His dedication to answering questions or giving advice is always impressive. He is encyclopedic, able to instantly recall Speakers’ rulings from 50 years ago. It’s true.

Till was one of the first people whom I met here. I don’t think he knew what hit him when he came into our office and Katie and I sprung our Labrador retriever energy on him. I was a new senator and eager to learn.

Even though we didn’t understand anything that you said, the way that you spoke about this chamber gave words to the feelings of distinction, order and respect that now envelop me every day that I am here. And, Till, you’ll be happy to know that I also now understand everything else you said in that meeting.

I have no doubt that you will benefit from some downtime with your sister Jill — yes, Jill and Till — and, of course, with your beautiful cat, Annalise. We know how dedicated you were to your late mom, Jane, who must have been so proud of her son’s accomplishments and service to this country. Thank you, Till.

All Senate caucuses have undergone leadership changes, and I’d like to extend my warmest congratulations to all the new leaders. I’m particularly grateful to my outgoing colleagues from the Independent Senators Group on the facilitation team for their dedication. I also want to thank all those who ran in each election.

I would also like to congratulate our new leadership team, Senators Lucie Moncion, Joan Kingston, Chantal Petitclerc and Pierre Dalphond. I look forward to working with this new team and with all groups to continue and strengthen the work of the independent Senate.

As we end this session, on behalf of the Independent Senators Group, I want to wish you all a peaceful break with time to reflect on the year behind us, to appreciate the people in our lives and to renew our commitment to a future built on kindness, love and hope. Let us carry that spirit into our work ahead. May our debates be thoughtful, our decisions wise and our service to Canadians unwavering. Thank you. Nia:wen. Merry Christmas.

Honourable senators, on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, or PSG, I am pleased to join the other leaders today in sharing well wishes before we all return home for the holidays.

As has been noted, we have undergone several changes and will see several more by the time we return in 2026. This was the first time that Senators Moreau and Housakos provided season’s greetings and the last time for Senator Tannas.

I wish to add my voice to the others thanking Senator Saint-Germain and Senator Tannas for their leadership over their respective terms. I look forward to welcoming their successors, Senator Moncion and Senator Osler, when our leaders’ meetings resume.

Our sittings will look a little different in the new year, and I appreciate this opportunity to offer my thanks to both Gerry Lafrenière and Till Heyde for their dedicated years of service. The institutional memory that resides in both of these gentlemen will certainly be missed. I hope they both appreciate that the impacts they have had on the Senate will linger long after their departures.

Gerry and Till, you have both earned some well-deserved rest. Till, I have heard your favourite feline, Annalise, will be particularly grateful to have more of your attention.

As the year draws to a close, this is a worthwhile opportunity to take note of what we have accomplished so far and what we hope to achieve in the future.

I have been honoured to step into my current role as leader of the PSG and grateful to my colleagues for their support, not just of me but with respect to all the ways in which we support each other. We are a great team, and I am proud of all its members, both senators and staff.

I would also like to extend my thanks to all senators and staff. Collaboration is the best way for us to succeed, and I am so grateful for all the ways in which we have worked together on behalf of all Canadians.

Certainly, we are all here with the same purpose. Though we represent different regions and communities, we each do our best to ensure we find the right balance of advocating, listening and determining the best ways forward. We would not be capable of achieving any of this without the mostly behind-the-scenes support from those who work for the Senate administration. I don’t dare try to name them all for fear of accidentally forgetting anyone, but I think it’s safe to say we are all better off thanks to their diligent work.

Honourable senators, I don’t wish to keep us here any later than necessary, but I do want to take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and restorative break. I look forward to seeing you all again in the new year. Wela’lin. Thank you.

Honourable senators, on the eve of the winter break, I want to take a moment to extend my sincerest wishes and express my deepest gratitude to you.

First, I would like to commend each and every one of you, senators, for your commitment to serving our democracy. Your rigorous work, thoughtful debates and sense of duty contribute to the strength and credibility of our institution.

I would also like to extend my warmest thanks to our colleagues who serve in leadership and facilitation roles, whether they have just been elected or have served for some time, for their vision and cooperation.

I would also like to express my gratitude to my team, your teams, and all the staff of the Senate and Parliament of Canada.

Hundreds of diligent, talented and dedicated individuals work tirelessly to ensure that our chamber functions smoothly and that we may fulfill our constitutional mandates. Their expertise and professionalism are essential to everything we accomplish.

On that, I would like to highlight the retirement of Gérald Lafrenière — a young man from Manitoba, by the way — and Till Heyde, two pillars of our institution who between them have more than 49 years of experience in the Senate and 61 years of experience on Parliament Hill. That is very impressive.

Gerry and Till, your exceptional dedication has left its mark on our collective work, but also on my tenure as Speaker. I sincerely thank you.

We are deeply grateful for their wise counsel over the years and for their willingness to postpone their retirement — more than once, by the way — in order to continue supporting our work. We wish them both nothing but the very best in this new chapter of their lives.

To the Clerk, Shaila Anwar, to the Usher of the Black Rod, Greg Peters, and to your teams, to all the directorates, to our parliamentary partners and to our great team in the Senate, thank you for your cooperation and your unwavering dedication.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Speaker pro tempore, the Honourable René Cormier, for his significant contribution to our institution over the past year.

Dear colleagues, as we prepare for a well-deserved winter break, I hope that you may find rest, joy and time for your loved ones. I know I will. Let us return renewed and ready to continue our shared work in the service of Canadians, guided by the values that define this chamber: reflection, collaboration and a commitment to the common good.

I wish you happy holidays and a new year filled with peace, health and happiness.

I wish everyone a very happy holiday season and a new year filled with peace, health and happiness.

Thank you very much for your support. Meegwetch.