Honourable senators, I rise to speak about the importance of education and to remind all of us how we may contribute to the experiences of students.

Many of us in this chamber of sober second thought have benefited from and can attest to the formative nature and value of education, whether it be university, college, apprenticeship programs or other types of initiatives. How they open doors, provide us with opportunities and offer pathways to futures that enrich our careers and our lives.

Since early September of this year, I have had the privilege and pleasure to work with a number of students, including the interns who were just introduced to you, University of Ottawa law students who have been earning credits while gaining hands-on experience in our parliamentary processes. These interns have attended committees, compiled briefing notes, reviewed witness testimony, researched areas of the law in support of drafting legislation and developed a deeper understanding and an earnest commitment to the work that contributes to the development of laws that help shape this nation.

Their efforts have helped to inform our work on behalf of Canadians and I trust that they may also assist them and guide them as they complete their education, and indeed, throughout their careers.

I acknowledge and thank all of the students with whom we have worked since I joined this place. I am most appreciative of their contributions and wish them well on their continuing journey.

At this time, I also want to acknowledge and express my gratitude to all of you, and on behalf of all of us, our particular thanks to the many individuals who work together behind the scenes so that we may fulfill our duties and responsibilities.

Thank you to Éric, who ensures the office water cooler never goes empty. Thank you to Sylvie, so busy and yet so efficient, who delivers our mail twice a day.

From those who clean our offices to the translators, technicians, clerks, pages, protective staff, resource and office staff who keep us organized and efficient.

I especially want to thank those who take the trouble to help me with my French.

Few outside of our offices are aware of the fabulous and diverse teams who make up — and here I repeat the words last night of the Black Rod and His Honour the Speaker — the Senate family. The Senate family who support us so that we, dear colleagues, can continue to serve all Canadians, particularly those whose voices are not always heard.

For all of this and so much more, I say thank you. Meegwetch.