Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: Honourable senators, I rise today on behalf of the independent senators of the Progressive Senate Group, or PSG, to pay tribute to our former leader and the current dean of the Senate, the Honourable Jane Cordy, who has served this place for over 24 years.
As most colleagues well know, Senator Cordy was a teacher before her appointment to this chamber, and, even though she changed careers at 50, it is clear that she did not stop teaching and dealing with occasionally unruly students.
Senator Cordy has taught us the value of listening with an open mind. Certainly, we all arrive at this place with an idea of what we may hope to accomplish during our time here, but when we allow ourselves to be receptive to new ideas we may find new directions.
For example, we know Senator Cordy is responsible for the bill that established National Sickle Cell Awareness Day, and last week we heard her speak about her newest bill, which seeks to improve awareness of inherited blood disorders. Her dedication to this issue stems from a decision to attend an informal breakfast years ago when she was struck by the stories she heard.
Senator Cordy has taught us about hard work and how much one can accomplish as a senator when you dedicate yourself to the job. She is a well-respected and long-standing member of several parliamentary associations, notably the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association and the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group.
She has served on numerous Senate committees, including the Special Senate Committee on Aging, and contributed to landmark Senate studies such as the National Security and Defence Committee report on Canadian Security and Military Preparedness that was released in the wake of the September 11 attacks and the mental health report Out of the Shadows at Last by the Social Affairs Committee.
I don’t have enough time to even scratch the surface of the work that Senator Cordy has accomplished in her years as a senator.
Most of all, Senator Cordy, you have taught us the significance of kindness. Regardless of someone’s affiliation, regardless of whether they are a senator, a staffer or a member of the administration, you treat everyone with genuine compassion.
I could add that you have tried to teach me how to dance like an East Coaster, but I will have to keep working hard on that one.
Jane, I know your family will appreciate having more time with you, and you will appreciate having more time for activities such as golf, pickleball and bridge games.
You will be missed here, and you leave a legacy behind you.
On behalf of the PSG, I wish you and Bob all the best in this new chapter of your lives. We will miss you, Jane.