Honourable Senator Miville-Dechêne, your appointment is without a doubt the logical continuation of a career in which your professionalism, integrity and competence served the public interest both in Canada and abroad. The many awards you have received and the various responsibilities you have assumed are a clear reflection of this.

You have informed the public and held politicians accountable for more than 25 years while upholding high journalistic standards. As ombudsman of Radio-Canada’s French services and as chair of the Conseil du statut de la femme du Québec, you have also upheld the values of integrity, fairness and impartiality that are so important in this chamber.

You are taking the oath at a pivotal time for the Senate and its future. Each and every one of us has a responsibility to restore public confidence in this important democratic institution. We must uphold the highest standards in the Senate in the interests of Canadians.

I will say what is not said often enough in this chamber. Wherever we sit, we have much in common. First and foremost, we share a desire — and a duty — to serve our fellow citizens to the best of our ability.

We strive to respect basic democratic values: loyalty, fairness, respect for opposing opinions and the equality of senators. In many ways, we are interdependent. The functioning of parliamentary business and the credibility of the Senate depend on our collective contribution. A senator’s failure to meet her or his ethical obligations, or a senator’s inappropriate behaviour — inside or outside this chamber — has a negative impact on all senators.

We are also mindful of public opinion. We make every effort to meet the highest standards of ethics and modern governance. However, the added value of our work is not sufficiently known.

In this respect, Senator Miville-Dechêne, your record will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to the Senate.

On behalf of all members of the Independent Senators Group, welcome. I know you will make a valuable contribution to the Senate.