Hon. Marilou McPhedran: As a senator from Manitoba, I acknowledge that I am on Treaty 1 territory, the traditional lands of the Anishinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene, and the homeland of the Métis Nation.

[English]

On this solemn occasion, when senators have been given this opportunity to speak freely of our reflections on this unique woman world leader, I wish to acknowledge the complex history of colonialism embodied in the Commonwealth, over which Queen Elizabeth II presided, by noting that the Parliament of Canada is situated on the unsurrenderred, unceded territory of the Anishinaabe and Algonquin First Nations.

We are here today with impressive women leaders of our own in a chamber that became the second senate in the world to achieve gender parity. Millions of little girls in this country grew up seeing a woman monarch’s face day after day, even in years when Canada had no widely recognized women leaders.

We cannot quantify the impact of Her Majesty’s presence in the minds and hearts of these many millions of girls, generation after generation, but I know I am far from alone in tracing my own sense of entitlement to full actualization as a female human, to deeply knowing that the rights of women and girls are full human rights — rights not only to be claimed but also to be lived by all females, not just those who are privileged, like those of us in this chamber.

[Translation]

She was my Queen for the 70-plus years of my life, and she always will be. May you rest in peace, dear Queen Elizabeth.

[English]

God save the King. Thank you, meegwetch.

Hon. Marilou McPhedran: Honourable senators, gruff, tough and plain-spoken were the characteristics of Senator Terry Mercer perceived in my early days in this place — soon expanded by demonstrations of kindness, generosity and integrity. Please accept my warm birthday wishes for tomorrow. It marks a new chapter in how you are writing your book of life. It is following many chapters of your distinguished years as a senator that we’ve heard from our colleagues today, and I won’t repeat.

Earlier chapters included service in so many forms, including as an Air Cadet, with alumni like Chris Hadfield, Marc Garneau and Lieutenant-Colonel Maryse Carmichael, the first woman pilot of the Snowbirds.

On the recommendation of a young leader from Nova Scotia, Senator Mercer was the first I called for advice on trying to pilot my #Vote16 bill the first time I introduced it. Senator Mercer, you were encouraging, wise and generous, and I thank you. I continue to follow your advice.

You show us how life is a craft that needs to be learned with patience, care and integrity. Longfellow wrote how we are all architects, how all of our days are building blocks of our existence, and how all of our actions, even those that no one else sees, determine the strength of the life we choose to build. We will all miss you. Thank you and meegwetch to your family for sharing you. Senator Mercer, you are a mensch.