Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, on behalf of the opposition and the Senate Conservative caucus, I am pleased to rise today to welcome our newest colleague, Senator Manuelle Oudar, representing the senatorial division of La Salle, in Quebec.

[English]

Senator Oudar, we are all looking forward to working with you in your new role as a senator.

Colleagues, as I was preparing these remarks, I was pleased to find an interesting link between Senator Oudar and her predecessor, the Honourable Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu. Both have been actively outspoken about combatting violence against women. The recent retirement of Senator Boisvenu has left big shoes to fill here in the Senate on this issue. I find solace in knowing that Senator Oudar will be a voice in our chamber and on Parliament Hill for this very important cause.

Senator Oudar is a respected lawyer, leader and advocate for justice. She has spent more than three decades in the Quebec public service, serving her community through her involvement with various organizations, mentorship programs and initiatives.

Senator Oudar, I wish you well in the upper chamber. I look forward to hearing your perspective in the context of your experiences and background. These are very interesting times, in which our role of due diligence is crucial, as it may offer hope to the good people across our country.

Please know that members of the Conservative caucus look forward to working in collaboration with you on ways to improve the lives of Canadians by working and fighting for their best interests.

[Translation]

Once again, on behalf of the opposition and the Conservative caucus, I wish you a warm welcome to the Senate of Canada and to the Senate family.