An Atlantic alliance and reflections on 2025: Senator Petten
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As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been deeply meaningful and profoundly transformative on both a professional and personal level. It was a year that reminded me of the strength that comes from unity, the value of service and the enduring ties that bind Atlantic Canadians together, whether we are gathered at home or here on Parliament Hill.
Canadians welcomed a new prime minister, Mark Carney, in March. This transition was followed by changes in the Senate, including the retirement of the former government representative in the Senate, Marc Gold, and the appointment of Pierre Moreau to take on the role. Under Senator Moreau’s new leadership, the Government Representative’s Office expanded to five senators. I am continuing to serve as government liaison, which is a role I take seriously as it is vital to remain in close contact with the other recognized groups and caucuses in the Senate of Canada.
As we navigate a period of global uncertainty and domestic change, Canada’s future remains defined, not by turbulence, but by resilience and purpose. In 2025, we were adapting to a rapidly shifting world — strengthening our diplomatic relationships, reinforcing Canada’s credibility on the international stage and ensuring our economy continues to move forward for workers, families and businesses alike. 2026 will continue that positive adaptation through meaningful and pragmatic legislation that reflects our shared values, such as economic stability, democratic strength and opportunity for the next generation.
One of the achievements I am most proud of this year is the creation of the All-Atlantic Senators’ Group. This idea began as a simple observation: our region’s challenges and opportunities are often shared, and our voices — when brought together — resonate more strongly. What started as an informal conversation grew into a working meeting, where a group of Atlantic senators identified priorities and sketched out a structure that would serve all 30 of their Atlantic colleagues. I hope that this senators’ group will serve as a long-term platform for collaboration — one that strengthens our regional voice for years to come. I am proud to have helped lay its foundation.
From the group’s first discussion, it became clear that there was a real appetite for collaboration on shared issues: tackling coastal erosion, improving regional infrastructure, strengthening the blue economy, advancing economic development and ensuring Atlantic issues are consistently visible in national debates. We spoke about co-ordinating questions and statements in the Senate Chamber, engaging ministers as a united group and building a framework that is non-partisan, inclusive and durable. In true Atlantic fashion, it was a practical and constructive conversation rooted in shared purpose.
In August, I participated in the Victoria Forum, where I contributed to discussions on the blue economy. This is a space where Atlantic Canada has both expertise and leadership to offer. Surrounded by fellow panellists from across Canada with deep knowledge and passion, I was reminded once again that our region’s future is tied to nation-wide innovation, sustainability and the stewardship of our oceans.
This year also carried moments of deep emotion and change. I delivered retirement tributes for two esteemed colleagues — the Honourable Paul Massicotte and the Honourable Gwen Boniface. Saying goodbye is never easy; the Senate is a small place and the friendships formed here are real and meaningful. Celebrating their contributions reminded me of how privileged we are to work alongside people of such integrity and commitment.
I also travelled to Rome as part of the Canadian delegation attending the funeral of Pope Francis. It was an experience marked by solemnity and respect — one that reinforced the breadth and responsibility of the role we carry as senators.
As I look back, one theme threads through every moment of this year: unity. Whether it was standing with colleagues in celebration or farewell or collaborating with senators from across Atlantic Canada, I repeatedly felt the strength that comes from working together.
Canadians have always understood that unity is not about sameness; it is about shared purpose. We may come from different shores, but our challenges, hopes and ambitions often run in parallel.
As we head into 2026, my commitment remains the same: to work with my fellow senators for the betterment of our region; to ensure Atlantic issues have a clear and consistent place in national conversations; and to honour, in all I do, the people and communities that raised me.
Unity. Strength. Atlantic pride. These values guided my past year — and they will continue to guide my work in the year ahead.
Senator Iris G. Petten represents Newfoundland and Labrador and is the government liaison with the Government Representative’s Office in the Upper Chamber.
This article was published in The Hill Times on December 30, 2025.
As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been deeply meaningful and profoundly transformative on both a professional and personal level. It was a year that reminded me of the strength that comes from unity, the value of service and the enduring ties that bind Atlantic Canadians together, whether we are gathered at home or here on Parliament Hill.
Canadians welcomed a new prime minister, Mark Carney, in March. This transition was followed by changes in the Senate, including the retirement of the former government representative in the Senate, Marc Gold, and the appointment of Pierre Moreau to take on the role. Under Senator Moreau’s new leadership, the Government Representative’s Office expanded to five senators. I am continuing to serve as government liaison, which is a role I take seriously as it is vital to remain in close contact with the other recognized groups and caucuses in the Senate of Canada.
As we navigate a period of global uncertainty and domestic change, Canada’s future remains defined, not by turbulence, but by resilience and purpose. In 2025, we were adapting to a rapidly shifting world — strengthening our diplomatic relationships, reinforcing Canada’s credibility on the international stage and ensuring our economy continues to move forward for workers, families and businesses alike. 2026 will continue that positive adaptation through meaningful and pragmatic legislation that reflects our shared values, such as economic stability, democratic strength and opportunity for the next generation.
One of the achievements I am most proud of this year is the creation of the All-Atlantic Senators’ Group. This idea began as a simple observation: our region’s challenges and opportunities are often shared, and our voices — when brought together — resonate more strongly. What started as an informal conversation grew into a working meeting, where a group of Atlantic senators identified priorities and sketched out a structure that would serve all 30 of their Atlantic colleagues. I hope that this senators’ group will serve as a long-term platform for collaboration — one that strengthens our regional voice for years to come. I am proud to have helped lay its foundation.
From the group’s first discussion, it became clear that there was a real appetite for collaboration on shared issues: tackling coastal erosion, improving regional infrastructure, strengthening the blue economy, advancing economic development and ensuring Atlantic issues are consistently visible in national debates. We spoke about co-ordinating questions and statements in the Senate Chamber, engaging ministers as a united group and building a framework that is non-partisan, inclusive and durable. In true Atlantic fashion, it was a practical and constructive conversation rooted in shared purpose.
In August, I participated in the Victoria Forum, where I contributed to discussions on the blue economy. This is a space where Atlantic Canada has both expertise and leadership to offer. Surrounded by fellow panellists from across Canada with deep knowledge and passion, I was reminded once again that our region’s future is tied to nation-wide innovation, sustainability and the stewardship of our oceans.
This year also carried moments of deep emotion and change. I delivered retirement tributes for two esteemed colleagues — the Honourable Paul Massicotte and the Honourable Gwen Boniface. Saying goodbye is never easy; the Senate is a small place and the friendships formed here are real and meaningful. Celebrating their contributions reminded me of how privileged we are to work alongside people of such integrity and commitment.
I also travelled to Rome as part of the Canadian delegation attending the funeral of Pope Francis. It was an experience marked by solemnity and respect — one that reinforced the breadth and responsibility of the role we carry as senators.
As I look back, one theme threads through every moment of this year: unity. Whether it was standing with colleagues in celebration or farewell or collaborating with senators from across Atlantic Canada, I repeatedly felt the strength that comes from working together.
Canadians have always understood that unity is not about sameness; it is about shared purpose. We may come from different shores, but our challenges, hopes and ambitions often run in parallel.
As we head into 2026, my commitment remains the same: to work with my fellow senators for the betterment of our region; to ensure Atlantic issues have a clear and consistent place in national conversations; and to honour, in all I do, the people and communities that raised me.
Unity. Strength. Atlantic pride. These values guided my past year — and they will continue to guide my work in the year ahead.
Senator Iris G. Petten represents Newfoundland and Labrador and is the government liaison with the Government Representative’s Office in the Upper Chamber.
This article was published in The Hill Times on December 30, 2025.