Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, let me begin by wishing everyone a happy new year and soon-to-be Lunar New Year. As we welcome our new colleagues in this first sitting of Parliament of 2024, let us refocus on the work ahead, in the best interest of our nation, the prosperity of the regions and the well-being of future generations.

On behalf of the opposition and the Senate Conservative caucus, I am pleased to rise in this chamber to welcome our new colleagues.

The Honourable Mohammad Al Zaibak of Ontario is a Syrian-born Arab-Canadian entrepreneur, an advocate for social development and diversity and co-founder of Lifeline Syria, which helps Syrian refugees resettle in Canada.

According to his biographical note on the Prime Minister’s website:

Throughout his career, Mr. Al Zaibak has worked tirelessly to strengthen Canada’s economic, social, and cultural ties with the global community, in particular with Arab countries.

The Honourable Marnie McBean of Ontario is a motivational speaker, published author and one of the most decorated Olympians in Canadian history. She was inducted to the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1994 and Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. She is also an Officer of the Order of Canada and was recognized for her outstanding international achievements with a Thomas Keller Medal by World Rowing in 2002.

The Honourable Mary Robinson of Prince Edward Island is a globally recognized leader in the agricultural sector and her community. She is also the Vice-President of the World Farmers’ Organisation. As a proud Atlantic Canadian and a managing partner of the Robinson Group of Companies — a sixth-generation farm and agribusiness in Prince Edward Island — she will certainly serve her province and Canada well with her wealth of experience and expertise.

The Honourable Paulette Senior of Ontario is the President and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, and an advocate for empowering women and girls from diverse backgrounds. As a Jamaican-born Canadian who immigrated to Canada as a young girl, her personal experiences ignited her interest in social justice, and has made her the dynamic, grounded leader and now the Canadian senator that she is today.

Finally, the Honourable Toni Varone of Ontario is a prominent businessman and philanthropist dedicated to building safe and affordable housing. He has received many awards and honours for his outstanding charitable work and dedication to the development of the social and cultural life of many communities, including the Italian-Canadian community in the Toronto region.

Honourable colleagues, I am pleased to extend you a warm welcome to the Senate of Canada. We all look forward to getting to know you as we collectively ensure due diligence is done within the debates and work ahead of us. The Conservatives look forward to working in collaboration with you on ways to improve the lives of Canadians by working and fighting for their best interests.

On behalf of the opposition and the Conservative caucus, welcome to the Senate of Canada — your new family away from home.

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