Hon. Percy Mockler: Honourable senators, I rise today to call attention to the outstanding contribution of someone who sits among us today, someone who is a real team player and a great Canadian.

The word “team” is very apt, because Senator Larry Smith has always been a standout member of the teams he has belonged to throughout his professional career, across the country, whether with the Montreal Alouettes or the Canadian Football League.

At a recent game in Montreal, the Alouettes paid him a glowing tribute as a new inductee in the builder category of the Canadian Football Hall of Fame, class of 2023.

As you may recall, about 50 years ago, our friend Senator Smith hoisted the Grey Cup, a feat he had the pleasure of repeating a few years later.

His leadership role in this sport clearly shows that Senator Smith is a real builder and a great proponent of professional football in his city, Montreal, in his province and in his country, Canada. Through his sport, he has set an example for others to follow.

It is undeniable: Senator Smith has always taken our youth’s athletic and personal development to heart. His primary goal is to promote team spirit and educational success for our young people. They needed him then, but believe me, we still need people like Larry Smith to motivate our youth.

I witnessed this first-hand as a minister in Bernard Lord’s government in New Brunswick. I saw Senator Smith’s impact and influence. He was instrumental in organizing and securing the 2003 Canada Winter Games, held in two northern New Brunswick cities: Bathurst and Campbellton. I can attest that this event had a major impact on northern New Brunswick and on young New Brunswickers as well.

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He has always demonstrated passion and focus on the New Brunswick youth. I had the honour to serve in this Senate under his leadership. In my book, Senator Smith, you represent friendship and commitment.

As I conclude, I would be remiss not to recognize his outstanding, successful financial campaign as the chairman of the Old Brewery Mission in Montreal in 2003 to 2004. Senator Smith’s mission was — and still is — to end the cycle of homelessness, just like the Old Brewery Mission in Montreal.

[Translation]

Honourable senators, I would like to recognize our friend, Senator Larry Smith, for his legacy and for the mark he has left on the history of Canadian football. As we say in Acadia, vous avez gagné vos épaulettes — you’ve earned your stripes.

Thank you.