SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Tony Wakeham

Honourable senators, last week, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador went to the polls and chose a new direction for our province. The Progressive Conservative Party, under the leadership of Premier-designate Tony Wakeham, received a clear and confident mandate from voters. I want to extend my sincere congratulations to Premier-designate Wakeham and his team.

Tony Wakeham is a long-time friend of mine — someone I know to be thoughtful, grounded and deeply committed to the people of my province. He understands Newfoundland and Labrador’s challenges, but more importantly, he understands its potential.

Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are resilient. We know what it means to work hard, endure and build from what we have. This new government takes office at a time when energy, fisheries, technology and tourism all stand ready to drive renewed growth. It will require sound management, cooperation across all sectors and strong advocacy for our province’s interests both in Ottawa and beyond.

I have every confidence that Premier-designate Wakeham and his cabinet will govern with integrity, transparency and respect for the people they serve.

Elections remind us that democracy in Canada is strong and that citizens, through the simple act of voting, continue to shape their communities and their future.

Honourable senators, I invite you to join me in congratulating Premier-designate Tony Wakeham and all those elected to serve. May they find wisdom in leadership, strength in purpose and continued pride in representing the great province of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.