Hon. Krista Ross, of Fredericton, New Brunswick, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Jim Quinn.

The following honourable senator was introduced; presented His Majesty’s writ of summons; took the oath prescribed by law, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and was seated:

Hon. Joan Kingston, of New Maryland, New Brunswick, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Nancy J. Hartling.

The following honourable senators were introduced; presented His Majesty’s writ of summons; took the solemn affirmation, which was administered by the Clerk of the Senate; and were seated:

Hon. John M. McNair, of Grand-Bouctouche, New Brunswick, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Pierrette Ringuette.

[Translation]

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]

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Colleagues, I am pleased to welcome four senators whose strong voices and wisdom will round out New Brunswick and Nova Scotia’s representation here in the Senate.

Senator Albert Réjean Aucoin: Finally!

Finally, the Senate has someone representing Nova Scotia Acadians in the Senate. I am so looking forward to hearing you champion the interests of Chéticamp, Acadia, the francophonie and Nova Scotia as a whole both in this chamber and in our committees, just as you’ve done in so many other roles elsewhere. Your record is impressive. With your expertise in social work, law, journalism and community development, I know you will help us see through new and diverse lenses, and that will benefit all Canadians.

[English]

Senator Joan Kingston, I am glad that the Senate can count on someone with such diversity, expertise and interests as yours. In your prestigious career, you have devoted yourself to issues related to health care, the environment and human rights, all of which are imminently relevant to our work. You already have solid parliamentary experience, having served as an MLA in New Brunswick, both as a government minister and in the opposition. Your credentials and accomplishments are precious skills to the role of complementary sober second thought that we must offer.

Senator John McNair, by joining the Senate today, you continue a remarkable and diverse career devoted, in large part, to public service. You have held very strategic positions of deputy minister and Deputy Attorney General for the Province of New Brunswick. You were a driving force in the successful implementation of Service New Brunswick. In matters of engineering and delivering services to citizens, including businesses, this agency is recognized as a model.

You are also familiar with parliamentary work, having served as chief of staff for the official opposition in your provincial legislature. On top of that, you still found time to be involved in your community, serving in the Harrison McCain Foundation and many other non-profit organizations. I have no doubt that you will quickly cope with a senator’s heavy agenda and multi-tasking requirements.

Senator Krista Ross, your strong expertise in the finance and trade fields is very welcome. Over the last 20 years, your tireless work and remarkable leadership with the Fredericton Chamber of Commerce were a key factor for this capital city’s — and New Brunswick’s — development. You were rightly celebrated for these achievements, having been named to the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Canada’s Council of Excellence as well as — it is worth being said twice in this chamber — a Top 50 CEO for Atlantic Canada. There are no doubts about your forthcoming engagement in scrutinizing legislation with your professional lenses and the solid value added that you will bring to our work.

Senators Aucoin, Kingston, McNair and Ross, all members of the Independent Senators Group congratulate and welcome you to the Senate of Canada. We look forward in working in close collaboration with all of you. Thank you. Meegwetch.

[Translation]