Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Honourable Senator Pat Carney from my province of British Columbia.

[Translation]

I’d like to take a moment to express my respect for an exceptional woman who, by her courage, determination and vision, made her mark on Canada’s history. I’d also like to share some thoughts about her.

[English]

Senator Pat Carney was a pioneer for women in journalism and politics. She was the first Conservative woman elected to Parliament from British Columbia and the first woman to hold a number of government portfolios, including energy, international trade and the Treasury Board. During her term as the Minister of International Trade, she played a critical role in negotiating the free trade agreement with the United States. She then became the first woman from British Columbia to be appointed to the Senate.

Beyond her impressive professional achievements, Senator Carney was a woman of conviction. She did not hesitate to stand up for her principles, even at the risk of opposing her own Conservative Party. She demonstrated this in 1991 when she voted against Bill C-43, which aimed to reintroduce abortion into the Criminal Code. Her decisive vote helped preserve the right to choose for Canadian women. This vote was not only a reflection of her personal beliefs, but also a courageous act — as she was the only Conservative senator who voted against the bill, which failed in the Senate in a tied vote.

She was, as you have heard, also a hard-working woman who was involved in her community and who supported many causes. She was particularly passionate about preserving the coastline of British Columbia and the historical lighthouses in British Columbia. She was also dedicated to promoting cultural relations between Canada and China. She helped finance the Dr. Sun Yat‑Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver — the only garden of its kind outside of China.

Senators, today we salute the memory of a great Canadian who inspired generations of women and men throughout her remarkable career and her unwavering commitment to our country. We offer our sincere condolences to her family. Senator Carney was a mentor to me, a great feminist and a great Canadian. There’s one thing she taught me — she said, “Stand up for your convictions, even if you are alone.”

Rest in peace, my friend.

Thank you, senators.