Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, it is always a pleasure to welcome new colleagues to the Senate of Canada. As Senator Plett stated earlier, I’m sure that many senators in the room are reminded of their own swearing-in ceremonies. It’s a day filled with a bit of awe for these wonderful Parliament buildings and the surroundings and of the colleagues you will be joining today. It’s a little bit of, “I sure hope I like this,” and, of course, a whole lot of excitement about starting a brand new career.

On behalf of my colleagues in the Progressive Senate Group, I would like to welcome Senators Clement, Quinn, Yussuff and Arnot. You are all outstanding Canadians whose collective skills and achievements will continue to serve Canadians through your work in the Senate of Canada. Each of you brings a lifetime of diverse experiences and broad knowledge to this chamber.

Senator Bernadette Clement is a lawyer, politician and trailblazer. Prior to joining us, she served the people of Cornwall, Ontario, as mayor. Not only was she the first woman to be elected as Mayor of Cornwall, she was the first Black woman to serve as mayor in Ontario. Bernadette’s experience as a city councillor and then mayor will serve us all well as we reconcile conflicting views on the varied legislation the Senate will debate on behalf of all Canadians.

A fellow Maritimer, Senator Jim Quinn served for 23 years in the Canadian Coast Guard before entering the ranks of the federal government. Senator Quinn brings with him a wealth of experience working within the federal government and invaluable knowledge of the relationship between the federal government and their stakeholders — knowledge that will only benefit all of us as we deliberate legislation in this chamber. Along with these skills, Jim’s time working for the Port of Saint John will be very helpful to him and to us in Senate deliberations.

Another trailblazer, Senator Hassan Yussuff is one of Canada’s most respected labour leaders. He was the first person of colour to be President of the Canadian Labour Congress. His experience and insight of labour relations and labour markets will serve Canadians well, particularly as we plan for the economic recovery from this pandemic. Many of us have had the pleasure of working with Senator Yussuff as he did an excellent job representing the voice of labour to parliamentarians in both houses of Parliament.

Senator David Arnot brings a career’s worth of legal expertise serving the people of Saskatchewan into our chamber. As a provincial judge, his work with the Poundmaker Cree First Nation ushering in sentencing circles and restorative justice measures was particularly groundbreaking. This experience will be invaluable as we — as senators and as a nation — continue on the path toward healing and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. David, the sharing of your experiences will be most welcome in the Senate.

Honourable senators, I used to be a teacher in my previous life, and teachers love to teach. My wonderful husband might say teachers love to be bossy. But perhaps I will temper my teachings by offering some advice and suggestions to our new colleagues.

My first suggestion is to listen. Remember the saying that maybe your mother said to you, “We have two ears and one mouth for a reason.” You will learn more by listening, especially in the first few months of your time here in the chamber. Be sure to ask questions, whether it’s here in the chamber or to your new colleagues.

And to our new colleagues — and Senator Plett made reference to this in his speech — all senators, no matter which group you are in, want what is best for Canada and for Canadians. We might disagree on what is best or how to go about getting what is best, but working collaboratively will ultimately make legislation, motions and reports better.

Working with senators from across the country and with people from different caucuses or groups only enhances the work we do. The principle of our group, the Progressive Senate Group, is Mamidosewin, which means “meeting place” and “walking together.” So whether you are in our group or not, it is a good policy to follow. It will broaden all of our perspectives.

To our new colleagues, be serious about your work, but never lose your sense of humour, particularly during long days and long nights of debate. It will be helpful.

So, Bernadette, Jim, Hassan, and David, as well as our colleagues being sworn in this afternoon — Senators Michèle Audette, Karen Sorensen, Clément Gignac and Amina Gerba — our team looks forward to working with you during your time here. On behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, welcome to the Senate of Canada.