Senator Manning: Colleagues, as many of you are aware, my home province is composed of the island of Newfoundland — called “The Rock” — and the larger mainland section of Labrador, respectfully referred to as “The Big Land.” The island portion was named “newfoundelande,” or “New Found Land,” by late 15th century explorers.

Prior to 2001, when we officially changed our name to Newfoundland and Labrador, our province was known far and wide as Newfoundland. It is a place of rugged beauty, breathtaking scenery and some of the friendliest people you will ever meet. Just ask Senator Marshall. I encourage you to come and visit us and experience what makes us an interesting and unique place.

Talking about unique, two of the world’s most lovable dogs are named after both of our land masses — one being the enormous, bear-like Newfoundland dog and the other being the most popular dog breed in the world, the Labrador retriever.

The histories of both the Newfoundland dog and the Labrador retriever are somewhat fascinating. Their stories span the Atlantic Ocean and two continents: Europe and North America.

The Newfoundland dog’s exact origin is unknown to even the most thorough historians. However, the breed as we know it today comes from dogs brought to England from the island of Newfoundland in the 1500s and 1600s. They were originally bred and used as working dogs for our fishermen. They were known for their giant size, incredible swimming ability, tremendous strength, calm disposition, loyalty, love of children and their intelligence. Is it any wonder they were named after Newfoundland?

Time does not allow me today to tell you the many heartwarming stories of the Newfoundland dog, but I will mention a couple. One dog called “Sergeant Gander” was the World War II mascot of the Royal Rifles of Canada. He was killed in action at the Battle of Hong Kong when he carried a grenade away from wounded soldiers. A memorial statue can be viewed by visiting the Gander Heritage Memorial Park.

In 1928, another Newfoundland dog named “Hairyman” assisted Ann Harvey of the town of Isle aux Morts, along with her father and brother, to save 160 Irish immigrants from the wreck of the ship Despatch — but that is a story for another chapter.

The origin of Labrador retriever — referred to at one time as the “St. John’s dog” — is complex as well. Many believe they descend from a mix of genes from the various dogs taken on board ships by Spanish, French, Portuguese and English fishermen. Again, the Labrador retriever is a versatile animal and is well known for their supernatural affinity for water, their loyalty, gentle temperament, dependability, big appetite and — yes, once again — their intelligence.

They have a long and storied reputation as a great family pet and have been the faithful companions of presidents and prime ministers, including Clinton, Mitterrand and Sarkozy, to name a few. The Labrador retriever is the musician’s dog of choice — from the late Frank Sinatra to Keith Richards and Paul McCartney, as well as Hollywood royalty such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, and literary giant Ernest Hemingway.

The Labrador has proven its worth in search and rescue, as a guide dog, in medical detection and as a valued assistant in the theatre of war.

It seems amazing that two of the world’s most prolific swimming dogs come from some of the world’s coldest waters. But perhaps that was the point. When you live on a big rock surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the dogs — just like our forefathers and those who came behind them — had to learn to survive in what at times can be a very unforgiving environment.

I was once told by a very intelligent lady —