Hon. Nancy J. Hartling: Honourable senators, today I rise to pay a special tribute to the late Honourable Claudette Bradshaw from my home in Moncton, New Brunswick. I have known Claudette for over 40 years, and she was a trailblazer and a fierce advocate for marginalized people, especially children.

Her unique personality and passion for social justice is being remembered by many at home in New Brunswick and across Canada. Tributes from prime ministers, former staff and friends have been pouring out as we grieve this huge loss. Last Friday, hundreds attended her funeral mass while others watched it by video — a tribute to how much she was loved.

[Translation]

Claudette grew up in Moncton in an Acadian family and began her career at the Boys & Girls Club of Moncton, where she met the love of her life, Doug Bradshaw. They were married for 54 years and raised two sons, Nicholas and Christopher. She adored her family, her community and Moncton.

[English]

In 1974, Claudette founded the Moncton Headstart. Beginning as a small daycare for low-income families, it grew under Claudette’s capable leadership into a family intervention centre serving families and children at risk. Claudette worked around the clock for these families. She cared deeply about people. She was selfless, and she loved giving big hugs. Her large yard sales were a trademark fundraiser for her non-profit. She had a lot of community support, as it was very hard to say no to Claudette.

[Translation]

Claudette was known throughout Canada. Our colleague, Senator Saint-Germain, who met Claudette at the organizing committee for the Francophonie Summit in 1999, had this to say about her:

Claudette was generous, easygoing and open-minded, with a great sense of humour. We must always remember to carry on her social justice work.

[English]

In 1997, she entered the political arena and ran for the federal riding of Moncton—Riverview—Dieppe, my home riding. Claudette had a large support base, and she not only won the seat, but she stayed in politics for 10 years. She held several significant portfolios, including Minister responsible for Homelessness.

After she retired from politics, she continued working on issues such as mental health and homelessness, including a special project, At Home/Chez Soi. Often I would see Claudette and Doug at events in Moncton. She was always keen to discuss issues of homelessness, poverty and mental health. Claudette and Doug were a great team.

Her son, Nick, said:

Mom loved Moncton and being home in her community. She really took our lives through lots of ups and helped us through the downs, too. She was our captain.

My heartfelt sympathy to Doug, Nick, Chris and her family for their great loss, but also to her community at home for their loss of such a remarkable, generous and faithful woman. Claudette gave so much to so many, and we will remember her legacy. I sincerely believe that we must continue social justice work in her memory.

Thank you.

[Translation]