Hon. Rose-May Poirier: Honourable senators, on behalf of the opposition, the Senate Conservative Caucus, I am pleased to rise in this chamber to welcome our new colleagues from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia — Senator Joan Kingston, Senator John McNair, Senator Krista Ross and Senator Réjean Aucoin. As a fellow New Brunswicker, I’m glad to see three new colleagues join our chamber.

In the whole of Parliament, New Brunswick holds 20 seats between both houses. When three of these seats are empty for an extended period of time, it is New Brunswick’s voice that is weakened. I’m glad to see three new colleagues to strengthen our voice as a province as we debate various bills and issues that will arise.

The surroundings will be familiar to you, Senator Kingston, with your previous role as a Liberal MLA in the provincial legislature. We didn’t have a chance to serve at the same time, but I look forward to exchanging with you.

Senator McNair and Senator Ross, your deep commitment to your community is an important trait when serving Canadians in the Senate. We can have our ear on the ground and be a stronger voice for our smaller communities who don’t always have a voice in this chamber.

[Translation]

I am absolutely delighted to have Senator Réjean Aucoin with us here in the Senate.

We’ve waited 10 long years for a Nova Scotia Acadian to be appointed to the Senate, and here he is at last. We really needed a voice for the Acadian community and the Canadian francophonie at the table during debates on important issues such as modernizing the Official Languages Act. Nonetheless, your leadership as a Nova Scotia Acadian and your extensive experience in the field of law are major assets that will serve the Senate and our Acadian diaspora.

[English]

Each of you will contribute to our debates thanks to your unique walks of life to get here. Canadians have increasingly been looking to the Senate for hope that their voices are heard, and that the severity of the affordability crisis will be the priority of all parliamentarians. Not a day goes by without our offices receiving phone calls and multiple emails from concerned Canadians on the affordability crisis. It is top of mind for Canadians, and it should be our priority as parliamentarians to act swiftly in making life more affordable for all.

On behalf of the opposition, of the Conservative caucus, I want to warmly welcome you to the Senate of Canada, and look forward to working with you all. Thank you.

[Translation]