Honourable senators, having served as Speaker of the Senate, I have a far deeper understanding of and appreciation for the need to maintain egalitarianism amongst senators, regardless their political affiliation or lack thereof. My record as Speaker, both inside this chamber and out, speaks for itself. My rulings were not dictated by what caucus a senator was or wasn't affiliated with, and my door in the Speaker's corridor was open to all.

I conducted myself in this manner because I so strongly believe every senator has been named to this institution based on merit. Furthermore, every senator has a role to play and a great deal to contribute to the work we undertake here.

While it is true that we find ourselves having to navigate through murky waters as we are forced to accommodate the agenda from the governing party in the other place, let it not be said that we are unwilling to accommodate, encourage and support our newly appointed colleagues in being full, contributing members of this institution.

This Parliament has already taken steps, the likes of which have never before been seen, to ensure independent senators are represented in all our work here in the Senate, including committees.

Although no new senators had yet been appointed when the Selection Committee was struck for this new Parliament, the committee was cognizant of the new reality of things to come. Committee spots were open to existing independent senators and indeed were filled by the likes of Senator Demers, Senator Cools and Senator McCoy. As a matter of fact, Senator McCoy not only sits on the Modernization Committee but is the third member of steering.

Then there are the various subcommittees that independent senators have been invited to sit on. It's unfortunate that some independent senators have repeatedly chosen not to accept those invitations.

Now, this Parliament is going even further, as we saw yesterday, with a joint news release from the Leaders of the Opposition and the Liberal Caucus, Senator Cowan and Senator Carignan. Ongoing consultations have resulted in both caucuses agreeing to each give up one spot on every committee, regardless of size, to be filled by independent senators. That includes the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, of which I am chair, a committee that is transparent and accountable in all our decisions, all of which are recorded in public accounts.

However, if that's not enough, all senators, whether affiliated or unaffiliated, have always been welcome to participate in our meetings, just as independent Senator Elaine McCoy does regularly. Not to mention, newly independent Senator Larry Campbell is already a full member of CIBA. And we look forward to adding to that when the Selection Committee reconvenes.