Honourable senators, I rise today to celebrate my sixteenth year in the Senate.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Senator Jaffer: Reflecting upon my journey, I realize I would never have been appointed to the Senate without the support of my amazing parents. My dad was a member of Parliament in Uganda and my mother was the first woman to attend university in East Africa.

Both of my parents gave me opportunities throughout my life, even if it meant great sacrifices for themselves. There are no words that can thank them enough. I really miss them.

This year also marks the forty-fifth year of marriage with my kind, caring and patient husband, Nurella Jeraj.

I would also like to give a big thank you to former Prime Minister Chretien and Mrs. Chretien, not only because he appointed me as a senator from British Columbia, but also because they have supported me and given me many opportunities over the last 40 years.

In 1990, Mr. Chretien was the first Liberal leader to insist on including visible minorities on the Liberal party executive. As a result, my son and I were elected as vice-presidents. Throughout all of this, Senator Mercer has been a great friend and supporter, especially for my son.

I would like to thank my siblings Zenobia, Nimet, Aneez, Bergees and Umeshaffi, along with their spouses, my nephews and nieces who have always been my cheerleaders under all circumstances.

Honourable senators, the Senate has seen great change, and it is still a work in progress. I want to thank the Speaker Furey for all his work, all senators and especially my independent Liberal colleagues for all their support.

I would also like to thank the staff and security at the Senate for all the support they always give me.

I am proud to call myself a senator today, thanks to the tremendous work done by Senator Housakos, Senator Cordy, Jacqui Delaney, Mélisa Leclerc and our great Communications team. Today we can proudly say we are senators because they have helped to change our image. Thank you very much.

I would also like to thank my amazing staff: Gavin Jeffray, Seema Rampersad, Alex Mendes, Jonathan Coté and Melina Bouchard.

Honourable senators, many people ask me: Why do you fight so hard? I fight hard every day for the three anchors in my life: Azool, Shaleena and Farzana. The reason I fight is that I want a better world for our children and grandchildren, just as all you do.

Finally, sunshine enters my life every day when my grandchildren Ayaan and Almeera call me to say: Tu me manques, et je t'aime.

Honourable senators, I look forward to continuing to work with all of you. Have a great summer and get a good rest. Thank you.