SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — Accomplishments of Senators

Honourable senators, we rarely have a chance to celebrate one another on this floor for truly exceptional accomplishments. Yes, we do recognize those who retire and those who pass away, but today I wish to draw our attention to a small group among us who hold the rare and distinguished honour of knighthood.

Upon preparing these remarks, I was pleasantly surprised to discover who among us carries such distinction. First, our own Speaker, Senator Raymonde Gagné, is the Knight of the Legion of Honour of France. Our Speaker pro tempore, René Cormier, is the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters of France. Senator Petitclerc is a Knight of the Order of Quebec. Senator Gerba is also a Knight of the Order of Quebec. Senator Surette is a Knight of the Order of Academic Palms.

That which brings me to the newest knight among us. Several weeks ago, Senator Varone mentioned to me that he would be visiting Rome again in early December. I thought to myself, “What else is new?” He explained that he would be attending the Pope’s annual “Concert with the Poor,” which was first established in 2015 and held each Advent at the Papal Audience Hall in Vatican City. The hall seats around 7,000 people, with most of its places reserved for the poor, the vulnerable and the homeless — those who might not otherwise enjoy such an experience.

Each year, the Pope selects the performances. Past artists include Hans Zimmer, Ennio Morricone and cellist Tina Guo. This year, Pope Leo continued that tradition and chose our own Canadian Michael Bublé. Days later, Senator Varone received a call, asking, “Can you help?” In classic Varone fashion, he took it upon himself to secure Michael Bublé’s appearance. The rest, of course, is history.

However, there was more. Just before leaving for Rome, Senator Varone shared that he was being knighted on the recommendation of Pope Leo.

Sure enough, two days later, in a private audience at the Chapel of Saint Andrea Corsini — Rome’s cathedral — Senator Varone was made Knight Officer of Merit of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, one of the oldest orders of chivalry, tracing its origins back to AD 312.

Friends, thank you for indulging me as I congratulate the knights and dames among us. If I have missed any, please let me know.

I also want to congratulate my friend the Honourable Cavaliere Varone on his remarkable achievement and dedication to his faith.

Congratulations to all of you. We are grateful to have you as colleagues and proud to call you friends. Thank you very much.