Hon. Marty Klyne: Honourable senators, I rise to pay tribute to Senator Jane Cordy on the occasion of her retirement. Jane’s time in the Senate has been marked by service, compassion and dedication to creating lasting positive change for Canadians.

She has been, to her core, a teacher and a leader, and we will miss her greatly. The people of Nova Scotia will lose a strong voice for their province.

Throughout her career, Senator Cordy has championed a compassionate society. Whether advocating for mental health, awareness of sickle cell disease and other inherited blood disorders, Canada’s veterans, accessible dental care or pharmacare, she has encouraged us to rise up and raise each other up.

She has also highlighted the importance of an evidence-based approach to policy, including as sponsor of a government bill to ensure the independence of Statistics Canada and as Deputy Chair of our influential Social Affairs, Science and Technology Committee.

In addition, Jane inspires a culture of kindness, empathy and optimism in this place. She has always seen the potential in others, sometimes before we saw it in ourselves. Her belief in people and her nurturing spirit have helped many of us to take risks, embrace challenges and achieve goals we might not have thought possible.

Jane’s mentorship has empowered all who work with her to strive for excellence, knowing they had her support and encouragement. I greatly appreciated this mentorship during her time as the Leader of the Progressive Senate Group, and I know many senators and staff share my gratitude.

In addition, I note Senator Cordy’s commitment to our military and defence as a past chair of the Canadian NATO Parliamentary Association, including as an international Vice-President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly representing North America on the assembly’s executive.

I also admire and share Senator Cordy’s patriotism and her belief in Canada — and in Canadians — as we work to make our federation all we can be, including through reconciliation.

I imagine that Senator Cordy is watching on Senate ParlVU, so I’ll let her know — Lady Jane, you have made profound contributions to this chamber, to our country, to Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region and to each of us personally. We will miss your presence, your warmth and your wisdom.

Thank you, Senator Cordy, for your extraordinary service. We wish you all the very best in the next chapter of your life. Thank you, hiy kitatamihin.