Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia: Honourable senators, my arrival on the Hill, like many of yours, was a vortex of confusion: phone calls, endless meetings, signatures, security screenings, group canvassing and an overwhelming sense of dislocation. On day two, while wandering around in a state of disassociation, Senator MacDonald kindly directed me to my hotel on Kent Street. On my way there, I decided to grab a bite of comfort food — spaghetti and meatballs — from the Bier Markt.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a rather dapper gent making his way towards me. Flowing locks and a bright bow tie reflected in the bright sunshine. “Oh, my god, it’s Eric Clapton,” I thought. You look wonderful tonight. He said, “Hello, senator. I’m Dennis Dawson, one of your colleagues in the chamber. May I join you?”

We spent the next two hours covering a wide array of topics: politics, our role as parliamentarians, the subtleties of the chamber of sober second thought and life in general. The weight of confusion that I was feeling at the time began to dissipate and felt that this moment of serendipity was truly seminal. In the face of my perceived confusion and despair, Dennis had appeared as a compass and beacon in his quiet, unassuming way, a political stalwart who had taken the time to reach out to me with kindness, warmth and camaraderie, his mischievous sense of humour demonstrated repeatedly with a twinkle in those eyes. You held my hand when I most needed an anchor.

In the next chapter of our friendship, I had the privilege to witness his remarkable political skills on the international stage. At an Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in Serbia, accompanied by Senator Saint-Germain and Senator Ataullahjan, I witnessed Dennis seamlessly navigate the complexities of an international parliamentary gathering where contentious issues were debated, and I marvelled as he expertly navigated these issues with aplomb and clarity. He defined and protected the rights of the LGBTQ2S community, supporting universal health access and minority rights.

His passion for his beloved Quebec and his unwavering Liberal roots have shaped a remarkable career. Dennis, my friend, you have impacted and influenced so many of us in this chamber, and I will always reflect fondly on your kindness and generosity to me personally. I wish you nothing but the best in your next chapter. Our loss will be your beautiful family’s gain.

[Translation]

Good luck, my friend. Thank you. Meegwetch.

Senator Ravalia: Her Majesty’s steadfast love for the Commonwealth and her unwavering support for health care and enhanced educational opportunities directly impacted my own path. A foundational education, resources through the British Council and access to scholarships all made my career path more seamless and made it possible for a boy from Rhodesia to stand before you today as a member of this chamber.

I was deeply moved when I received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, as it allowed me to reflect on the breadth of her impact across the globe.

I would like to acknowledge the Usher of the Black Rod, whose relationship with the monarchy and Her Majesty has extended over 30 years. As a member of the Royal Victorian Order, his bond and distinguished personal service to the monarchy are to be applauded. Thank you, Greg.

News of Queen Elizabeth’s passing was painful, visceral and surreal. A presence that had been so constant, for so many, was suddenly gone. A sense of stability had been unexpectedly fractured — so much so that the grief was tangible.

I would like to extend my condolences to His Majesty King Charles III, the Royal Family and all those who have joined together to mourn an esteemed sovereign. May God bless her and may her soul rest in peace. Thank you, meegwetch.

Hon. Mohamed-Iqbal Ravalia: Honourable senators, it is a true honour and privilege to stand before this esteemed chamber to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As I reflected upon Her Majesty’s singular presence in both my life and the life of our country, I kept returning to her sheer constancy. Through seven decades of tumult, occasional tragedy and nearly unfathomable change, Her Majesty was a constancy that became a part of our lives — an unwavering beacon of stability and steadfastness. Across the broad sweep of this country — and indeed the entire Commonwealth, in all its kaleidoscopic diversity — Her Majesty remained a symbol of unity and an important reminder that our divisions pale in comparison to what unites us. From the moment she received the news of her father’s death at the age of just 25 to her final days at her beloved Balmoral, she remained the personification of duty, loyalty, dignity, grace and selfless service.

As I reflected upon her personal strengths, I thought about the sometimes difficult balance between duty to the Crown versus the reality of being the matriarch of a growing family. In her unflappable and implacable manner, she succeeded in navigating these parallel duties with what can only be described as a resolute tenacity and love, guided by a strong spiritual anchor and the grace and goodness of those closest to her.

In my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Her Majesty’s legacy is deeply felt, with strong historical ties and a rich tapestry of respect and pride. My wife, Dianne Collins, and her family are ardent monarchists. She joins so many in my province whose love for Her Majesty is deep-rooted and palpable.

I became aware of how indelibly this respect extended when I first started to visit my patients in their homes. Inevitably, a portrait of Her Majesty adorned a place of pride on the living room wall, flanked by portraits of our first premier, Joey Smallwood, and our medical hero Dr. John Olds. As time went by, I offered my own portrait to many of my patients. Regrettably, there were no takers.