Honourable senators, I rise to pay tribute to the Honourable Charlie Watt for his decades of service to Canada, including more than 34 years as a senator representing Quebec (Inkerman).

Throughout his career, Senator Watt showed a steadfast commitment to the advancement of Indigenous rights in Canada, especially on behalf of the Inuit. Through a combination of advocacy, charm, persuasion, activism and sheer determination, he improved the lives of the Inuit in northern Quebec by giving them voice, recognition and political clout.

Senator Watt started out as an officer with the then Department of Indian and Northern Affairs in 1969. Who could have imagined that just three years later, he would be a founder of the Northern Quebec Inuit Association, which was set up to protect the political and economic interests of the Inuit.

As president of this association, Senator Watt negotiated the James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement, which was signed in 1975 and provided $90 million in compensation to the Inuit and the Cree for damages to their way of life due to the building of the James Bay hydroelectric dam.

If playing a role in the James Bay and Northern Quebec treaty is not impressive enough for you, consider that Senator Watt was also involved in the patriation of the Canadian Constitution, particularly with regard to section 35, which enshrines Indigenous rights.

Most of us would be content to rest on those career achievements, but Senator Watt was only just beginning. He was appointed to the Senate in December 1983 and served on many committees of national interest, notably on Aboriginal issues. He was the driving force behind the Senate’s Special Committee on the Arctic, which came to fruition late last year and is poised to make its mark on issues in the Far North, as Canada increasingly embraces its Arctic responsibility and destiny.

Senator Watt has received many honours.

[Translation]

For instance, he was awarded the Ordre national du Québec. I hope you know, Senator Watt, how proud I am of that.

[English]

Colleagues, tributes of the sort I am now delivering are usually given to senators who are retiring. Senator Watt is certainly deserving of retirement, but he is, in fact, leaving the Senate not for contemplation and rest, but to begin yet another chapter in his illustrious career. By turning to the Makivik Corporation as president, he is circling back to an organization he founded.

For Senator Watt, the work is never finished. There are always challenges and opportunities anew, and I have no doubt that he will pour his energy into the unfinished business of improving the lives of northern peoples and protecting the fragile environment of the Arctic.

Senator Watt, all the best.