Hon. Marnie McBean, of Toronto, Ontario, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Chantal Petitclerc.

Hon. Scott Tannas: Honourable senators, on behalf of my colleagues in the Canadian Senators Group, I wish to welcome Senator McBean, Senator Senior, Senator Varone, Senator Robinson and Senator Al Zaibak to the Senate.

Honourable senators, with these appointments, we are getting closer and closer to a full Senate. According to my calculations, we have eight more vacancies for this chamber to be at its limit. As Senator Saint-Germain just expressed, I am hopeful that the Prime Minister will soon fulfill his constitutional duties by filling the empty seats, and providing to all regions its full slate of representatives.

By welcoming these five new senators — all eminent Canadians — the Senate continues to transform itself from the traditional partisan vestiges to a chamber of more independent reflection. Our new senators come with very different backgrounds. Senator Al Zaibak comes to the Senate from the international and technological business community, and he is also a broader community leader and builder. Senator Robinson comes from the agricultural sector and is a strong advocate for the industry and for P.E.I., which comes to the great relief of our lonely farmer, Senator Black, who welcomes another voice for agriculture.

Senator McBean is a highly decorated Olympian and champion of social justice causes. Senator Senior is a recognized leader in the charitable sector, and a trailblazer for women and girls. Senator Varone is a businessman and philanthropist, and he is involved in lifelong civic engagement.

Seeing these individuals from very different backgrounds who have chosen to come forward and serve is a positive sign that this institution matters.

Our former colleague P.E.I. Senator Diane Griffin made this point back in 2017 during a speech: She said it is important to ensure that the selection board “. . . considers under-represented occupations as part of its appointment process . . . .” I think that we are now seeing the fruits of that labour. I know that she will be excited to see a farmer from P.E.I. join us here. I mention her because I suspect she is probably watching on television right now.

With this diversity in background comes a diversity of views and opinions, and, senators, this is a very good thing. Our role is to represent our regions on national issues. At times, we all agree, but most of the time, we do not. Again, this is a good thing.

Diversity of opinions, coupled with a sense of respect for opposing views, is a strength, not a weakness, and it is the hallmark of the work of the Senate.

I encourage each of the new senators to participate fully in our debates and bring your diverse views forward. Please do not hold back. Your views and perspectives are welcome here. In fact, they are needed here in the Senate as we do our work on behalf of Canadians.

Senators McBean, Senior, Varone, Robinson, and Al Zaibak, welcome to the Senate of Canada. My Canadian Senators Group, or CSG, colleagues and I look forward to working with you.