Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

[English]

Senator Tannas: On behalf of my colleagues in the Canadian Senators Group, I welcome Senator Oudar to the Senate as the fourteenth senator from the senatorial division of La Salle. For over three decades, Senator Oudar has been a notable public sector leader and lawyer with an expertise in labour laws in Quebec.

We now have 17 lawyers or legal scholars in the Senate, with a range of expertise from constitutional to corporate to administrative and from human rights to now labour law with Senator Oudar’s arrival. If the Senate ever wanted to form its own law firm, it would likely have one of the most diverse ranges of legal fields, legal scholars and notables in Canada.

Senator Oudar, your expertise, which was a missing piece of our firm, will be of great benefit to us as senators. I look forward to the contributions that you will make in our debates.

We in the CSG are paying close attention to the appointment process. It is just like watching the time go down on the scoreboard. We see the number of vacancies also go down towards the ultimate goal of a full chamber where each region has its full complement of senators with no provinces left behind. We are encouraged, and we look forward to more appointments.

To our new senator — Senator Oudar — and to those who have arrived here recently, I have a few pieces of advice.

Number one: You know that feeling of awe and wonderment the first time you walk into this place? Hold on to it for as long as you can, since it will help you during the long sittings. To sit in this place is not only a privilege, but a responsibility.

Number two: Pace yourselves. Legislative and policy changes are marathons, not sprints. All good things take time. Our system is designed for thorough review and debate so that good ideas can be refined into better ideas.

Number three: Find good staff. Surrounding yourself with bright minds will help you achieve your goals. Your challenge is balancing experience with bringing in fresh perspectives and youthful enthusiasm.

Number four: Never disregard sleep. Contrary to the opinions of some outside this chamber, we work very long hours. Emotions can run high, and a sound mind is a must to navigate numerous political obstacles that will be put in front of you. A good night’s sleep is the cure to a cluttered mind full of burdens.

Finally, number five: Always be wary of long-time senators offering unsolicited advice.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.