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.