Hon. Peter Harder: Honourable senators, it is with great pride and deep gratitude that I rise to say a few words of thanks to my dear colleague.

I don’t need to describe her career or embellish regarding her intelligence or contributions to this place, but I do need to publicly acknowledge the deep service she provided in establishing the Government Representative Office and beginning to provide the framework for how a less partisan, more independent Senate would work.

When I arrived in this chamber in April 2016, it was rather lonely sitting amidst all of the empty chairs as the Government Representative in the Senate. I was determined to seek out, for a team, somebody who had roots in a Conservative tradition and somebody who had roots in a Liberal tradition. That wasn’t as easy a task as I thought it would be, but it was made easier when I spoke with Diane and asked whether she would join me in this work. She said, “Well, I don’t really know the rules, but I’m an economist.” I was obviously attracted to the personality that you see here today and have come to know.

I am deeply blessed and feel thankful, Diane, because you took that gamble of reputation and circumstance.

I can’t tell you how lovely it was every morning, very early — though Diane was always a little late — to have coffee with Grant Mitchell and talk a little bit about what we could possibly expect over the course of the day. I think it’s important for those of you who have come in the last few years to be reminded that the institution we are today is not the one we were eight years ago. In large measure, the changes have their roots in the intellectual framework that Diane provided.

So I want to publicly acknowledge your contribution and your friendship. You’re the only seatmate I’ve had, and now I’ve got to get a second partner.

Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.