Hon. René Cormier: Honourable senators, from May 21 to 28, I had the tremendous honour, as a vice-chair of the Canada-Africa Parliamentary Association, of participating in a mission in Accra, Ghana, together with the new Senate co-chair of the association, our colleague, the Honourable Amina Gerba.

With the support of the amazing High Commission of Canada in Ghana, our delegation of two senators and two MPs met with many Ghanaian parliamentarians to discuss a number of issues of importance to Canada and this West African country. Governance, economic development, peace and security, arts and culture, and human rights — specifically women’s and LGBTQ2+ rights — were among the issues, some of them quite sensitive, that we discussed in a spirit of openness during meetings with various parliamentary committees.

Our delegation met with the Speaker of the Ghanaian parliament and the foreign affairs minister, as well as several civil society organizations, such as the African Development Bank, the African Continental Free Trade Area, the Media Foundation for West Africa and the Institute for Democratic Governance. It was a rich and intense diplomatic mission that gave us insight into Ghana’s economic, political, cultural and social issues, its role in Africa’s economic integration and how Canada can become one of the country’s key partners.

Colleagues, one of the highlights of this mission was the moving tribute paid to Senator Amina Gerba by the Forum des diasporas africaines, an organization that aims to support the African Union in representing the African diaspora and its strategic engagement in Africa’s continued development. As a native of Cameroon and founder of the Forum Afrique Expansion, Canada’s largest platform for business partnerships between African and Canadian decision makers, Senator Gerba dedicated her professional life to promoting economic, trade and entrepreneurial ties between Canada and Africa prior to her recent appointment to the Senate.

Her distinguished career and outstanding contribution to strengthening economic ties between the African continent and Canada were recognized last week as she was named an ambassador of the African diaspora, alongside famous personalities such as Barack Obama.

Thinking of this young Cameroonian woman, who at a very young age began helping to support her family, thinking of this immigrant who wholeheartedly embraced her new country by becoming a dynamic Canadian entrepreneur and, finally, thinking of her appointment to the Senate of Canada, we cannot help but share her delight in the distinction she was awarded last week.

Colleagues, we can be proud to call this inspiring citizen one of our own. She channelled her unique life experiences and immeasurable love for Africa into tangible actions that have helped strengthen ties between Canada and that continent. Congratulations, senator. You are a credit to the Senate of Canada.

Before I conclude, I would be remiss if I did not also congratulate our colleague, Senator Mary Coyle, another remarkable woman who was also on the African continent at the same time to receive an honorary doctorate from Meru University of Science and Technology in Kenya. Congratulations, Senator Coyle.

Colleagues, these two deeply committed women are both admirable senators whose contributions to Canada deserve our applause. Thank you.