Hon. Jean-Guy Dagenais: Honourable senators, my guest today is a young political adviser from the Quebec National Assembly.

Since 2020, Frédéric Perreault has been working with the MNA for Vimont, my friend Jean Rousselle, who just announced that he is retiring from politics. A graduate of the communication and politics program at the University of Montreal, Frédéric also serves as the coordinator for the Quebec Liberal Party’s youth commission.

I am also proud to say that, in 2017, he contributed to a short film produced by the Sûreté du Québec to raise awareness among young people about drug- and alcohol-impaired driving. He also has an extensive and impressive record as a volunteer.

When Frédéric reached out a few months ago and asked if I could give him a closer look at how politics works here in Ottawa, I immediately agreed. His visit today will enable him to compare the parliamentary system used here in Ottawa with the one used in the province of Quebec. In my humble opinion, you can never have too many people spreading the word about our work as parliamentarians.

More importantly, let me say that you can never have too many young people interested in politics. The low voter turnout in Canada is troubling, and we need to quickly find ways to revive political interest among young people.

To me, the next generation is important in politics. I honestly believe that we have a duty to open our doors to those who are curious, those who have the knowledge and sharp wits to support us in our daily work.

This visit is not insignificant. Frédéric Perreault’s presence today in the gallery of this chamber coincides with the imminent end of our parliamentary session.

I’m going to use this visit as an opportunity to acknowledge and commend all those who work in the senators’ offices. We would definitely be lost without them. I especially want to praise them for all the work they have done over the past year under the dangerous and exceptional circumstances brought on by the pandemic. All of us, both here and at home, have benefited from their ability to serve us during difficult times.

I want to thank them for their adaptability and their individual willingness to keep each senator’s office running so the work could get done.

Thank you.