Hon. Andrew Cardozo: Honourable senators, I have a good news story to share. As chair of the Senate’s Artwork and Heritage Advisory Working Group, I am especially pleased to tell you about a significant new addition to our collection: a bronze maquette of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, graciously gifted to the Senate by our colleague Senator Peter Harder.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!

Senator Cardozo: I hope that long applause does not count toward my time.

This striking work, crafted by the acclaimed Ontario artist Ruth Abernethy, portrays Queen Elizabeth II seated on the monarch’s throne in the Senate Chamber of Centre Block. It is an appropriate tribute to her enduring relationship with Canada and our Parliament.

Inspired by her 1977 Speech from the Throne, the maquette depicts the Queen holding a sprig of 13 maple leaves, symbolizing Canada’s provinces and territories. It is one of two small-scale copies of the larger commemorative monument installed outside the Ontario legislature in 2023, which is some seven metres tall.

The sculpture also bears an inscription from her speech, in which she said, “I dedicate myself anew to the people and the nation I am proud to serve.”

This gracious gift to the permanent Senate collection by Senator Harder is in memory of his late wife, Molly Seon. Let me say a few words about each of them.

Senator Harder has played a significant role in the history of the Senate of Canada, namely the important work as the Senate’s first independent Government Representative and as a leader who skillfully guided us through the renewal of a modern, independent Senate from 2016 to 2020.

As the Usher of the Black Rod told me recently:

Molly was a monarchist through and through. She had great love and affection for Her Majesty the Queen and all things royal. She cherished her visit to Windsor Castle and the Royal Mews so much. Senator Harder’s decision to honour Molly in this way to commemorate the King’s Speech in May of last year is, indeed, so significant for generations to come.

[Translation]

Colleagues, this maquette is a valuable addition to the Senate’s permanent collection of artwork and heritage pieces and a fitting complement to our cultural and historical heritage.

[English]

I invite you to take a moment to view and appreciate this exquisite work and to join the event hosted by Speaker Gagné at 4 p.m. to mark this donation.

From all of us, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Senator Harder for this extraordinary gift and for the spirit of his service to this institution.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!