Hon. Patricia Bovey: Honourable senators, I speak from the unceded territory of the Algonquin and Anishinaabe.

[Translation]

Thank you for the opportunity to talk about my candidacy for the position of Speaker pro tempore of the Senate. My regards to my colleague, Senator Ringuette.

In this place, we debate, discuss and make decisions about all kinds of issues, concerns and rights. A respectful environment conducive to balancing multiple perspectives and points of view is crucial to that process.

The Speaker pro tempore is responsible for ensuring that sense of respect and fairness in the deliberations of this house while always protecting and promoting the fundamental equality of all senators.

Collaboration among us, among all our groups, is also essential to a functional modern Senate.

[English]

You know that my interests, like our debates, are multidimensional. They are not only about arts and culture, but include the important voices of all Canadians garnered from my travels to every part of this country. They embrace the interconnected concerns of the Arctic, reconciliation, Black Lives Matter and the economic, living and health concerns of all residents of Canada.

As most of you know, I acted as pro tempore for two years. I have sponsored both government and Senate public bills, and through my work as deputy chair and a steering committee member of a number of committees, you have seen my understanding of this chamber’s roles, rules and procedures.

Embodying and following the Rules as I do and have done, defending them as pro tempore in the Senate with fairness, integrity and impartiality, building trust is paramount. Those principles comprise my mantra for this office and for all my Senate responsibilities.

These five years with you as a member of this chamber, honouring its roles on behalf of all Canadians, have been impactful. It would be a privilege to serve the Senate as Speaker pro tempore, and the role would draw from all my Senate experiences and my pre-Senate, five-decade career of cultural and educational leadership and policy development in British Columbia, Manitoba, throughout Western Canada and from serving national institutions — those in Quebec and our country internationally.

[Translation]

I promise to serve with diligence and dignity, engagement and substance.

Thank you, meegwetch.