Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I rise today to welcome our new colleague to the red chamber.

Senator Manuelle Oudar represents the province of Quebec. She holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in law from Université Laval. She is a member of the Barreau du Québec, the Ordre des conseillers en ressources humaines agréés du Québec and the Ordre des administrateurs agréés du Québec. She is a respected lawyer and advocate for justice who has devoted her entire career to serving the public.

Senator Oudar spent 30 years in legal affairs management positions in Quebec’s Ministry of Culture, Communications and Status of Women, Ministry of Employment and Social Solidarity, and Ministry of Family. She also served as deputy minister at the province’s Ministry of Labour and Ministry of Education.

For the past eight years, Senator Oudar served as the president and CEO of the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité au travail, the CNESST, whose mission is to promote workplace health and safety management and to protect workers’ rights, while ensuring compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.

Senator Oudar has shared her experience and expertise with youth and served as a mentor to young professionals. Her contributions and achievements were recognized in 2017 when she was named one of the 100 most influential women in Canada by the Women’s Executive Network, or WXN, and again in 2023 when she was awarded the Prix Femmes de mérite 2023 by the Women’s Y Foundation of Montréal.

We are indeed fortunate to welcome Senator Oudar, who has a wealth of experience. Senator Oudar, I look forward to working with you. Congratulations.