Hon. Amina Gerba: Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to an exceptional parliamentarian, a great Quebecer and a great Canadian, Senator Diane Bellemare.

As many of us have already pointed out, her exemplary career is a source of respect and inspiration. As someone who has always campaigned throughout my career to free women from imposter syndrome, I was very impressed, when I was appointed to the Senate, to sit near her in this chamber, with the Progressive Senate Group.

Whether in her career as a professor and renowned economist or in her passionate advocacy for social and institutional dialogue or still her promotion of the beautiful province we both represent, Quebec, Senator Diane Bellemare has always brilliantly defended her ideas and convictions.

I also remember Senator Bellemare’s great esteem for the role of parliamentarian, as she explained earlier, and the rigour and dedication she attaches to it. She once said the following, and I quote:

The Senate is an institution that has been underestimated, unloved and, at times, the object of much criticism. There are reasons for that, but we shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.

She added that our role is to make sure that bicameralism works well in Canada, and that Canadians can be proud of their Senate.

In my opinion, it is undeniable that Senator Bellemare has contributed to making our institution a source of pride for our constituents.

My dear Diane, you have been a true inspiration to me, and I feel privileged to have you as my friend and mentor forever.

After so many magnificent years of service to Canadians, it is high time that you took a well-deserved break with your better half, Victor, who must be looking forward to having you by his side even when the Senate is sitting. You will always be together.

I wish you the happiest retirement, and I look forward to sharing a meal with you at an African buffet in Montreal.