Hon. Brian Francis: Honourable senators, on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, or PSG, I am pleased to join the other leaders today in sharing well wishes before we all return home for the holidays.
As has been noted, we have undergone several changes and will see several more by the time we return in 2026. This was the first time that Senators Moreau and Housakos provided season’s greetings and the last time for Senator Tannas.
I wish to add my voice to the others thanking Senator Saint-Germain and Senator Tannas for their leadership over their respective terms. I look forward to welcoming their successors, Senator Moncion and Senator Osler, when our leaders’ meetings resume.
Our sittings will look a little different in the new year, and I appreciate this opportunity to offer my thanks to both Gerry Lafrenière and Till Heyde for their dedicated years of service. The institutional memory that resides in both of these gentlemen will certainly be missed. I hope they both appreciate that the impacts they have had on the Senate will linger long after their departures.
Gerry and Till, you have both earned some well-deserved rest. Till, I have heard your favourite feline, Annalise, will be particularly grateful to have more of your attention.
As the year draws to a close, this is a worthwhile opportunity to take note of what we have accomplished so far and what we hope to achieve in the future.
I have been honoured to step into my current role as leader of the PSG and grateful to my colleagues for their support, not just of me but with respect to all the ways in which we support each other. We are a great team, and I am proud of all its members, both senators and staff.
I would also like to extend my thanks to all senators and staff. Collaboration is the best way for us to succeed, and I am so grateful for all the ways in which we have worked together on behalf of all Canadians.
Certainly, we are all here with the same purpose. Though we represent different regions and communities, we each do our best to ensure we find the right balance of advocating, listening and determining the best ways forward. We would not be capable of achieving any of this without the mostly behind-the-scenes support from those who work for the Senate administration. I don’t dare try to name them all for fear of accidentally forgetting anyone, but I think it’s safe to say we are all better off thanks to their diligent work.
Honourable senators, I don’t wish to keep us here any later than necessary, but I do want to take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and restorative break. I look forward to seeing you all again in the new year. Wela’lin. Thank you.