Honourable Senator Dalphond, I thought about beginning my welcoming remarks by enumerating some of the things you achieved during your brilliant career as a lawyer. However, I quickly changed my mind when I saw just how long the list of your professional accomplishments was, since, let’s be honest, we have a very long sitting ahead of us. I will therefore get right to the substance of my remarks without any further ado.

As someone who has already earned the lifelong title of “honourable,” your appointment is clearly based on your merit. You are joining the Senate at a time when this institution is trying to get back to the original constitutional role bestowed upon it by the Fathers of Confederation, and that is serving as a chamber of sober second thought.

As members of a democratic institution, we have the duty to help combat cynicism by meeting Canadians’ high expectations and thus becoming deserving of their trust, all while complementing the work of the House of Commons, or the other place, if you prefer, since that is how we in the Senate usually refer to it. As we know, the lower chamber is made up of elected parliamentarians. Our duty is therefore not to thwart or unduly delay action on the will of a legitimately elected government, but nor is it to passively and complacently approve its proposals. We must work to improve the quality of federal legislation and public policies to ensure they are more responsive to modern issues and the evolution of society.

A senator also assumes other responsibilities, including representing regions and protecting minorities. This requires an increased vigilance to abide by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Your expertise in constitutional rights, notably after all these years spent on the bench of the Superior Court as well as the Court of Appeal of Quebec, makes you an expert in this field and an undeniable source of knowledge. Suddenly, your reputation, your exceptional journey and your wisdom reflect on the credibility of this institution.

I also note your remarkable background in arbitration and mediation. All the members of this chamber will benefit from these assets. Indeed, you join an exceptional institution dedicated to analysis, where discussions are enriched by each member’s expertise and life experience, a space where dissenting opinions are received with all due respect and absolute freedom of speech. Here, you will have the privilege to be able to assert your perspectives in an environment that is in the midst of an important transformation. You will undoubtedly come to master the work of the Senate with the same skill which, to this day, has allowed you to succeed in your distinguished career.

On behalf of myself and all members of the Independent Senators Group, I congratulate you on your appointment. We welcome you to the Senate of Canada, one of the highest forums of democracy.