Hon. Marty Klyne: Honourable senators, I rise to pay tribute to our friend Senator Diane Bellemare. We know Diane as a distinguished economist, proud voice for Quebec and Canada and a foundational leader for independent Senate reform. I was honoured to work with her on the Senate Prosperity Action Group to develop our 2021 report entitled Rising to the Challenge of New Global Realities: Forging a New Path for Sustainable, Inclusive and Shared Prosperity in Canada.

However, senators might not be aware that Diane is a huge fan of “Game of Thrones.” In what might be the first and last time such a connection is made, she referred to the show in a speech on the Senate rules.

Today, let’s pay tribute to Senator Bellemare with a comparison to her favourite character, Arya Stark. Like Diane, Arya is a spirited, authentic and independent woman who outwits, outfights and outlasts every opponent. The Honourable Senator Bellemare is like Arya in three more ways. First, underestimate her at your peril. As the first Government Representative Office Legislative Deputy in the independent Senate, the Honourable Senator Bellemare sponsored Bill C-4, the mandated repeal of two anti-union private members’ bills. In 2017, when opponents tried to insist not to pass the bill, Diane won the vote with 43 yeas, 41 nays and 1 abstention. This was a resounding victory for Senate reform and the Salisbury Doctrine regarding respecting election platforms.

Second, like Arya, Diane is brilliant. She is a wise voice for social dialogue and cooperative federalism. Her bill to create an Employment Insurance Council Commission passed the Senate in June and will make Canada more prosperous than the Lannisters — I guess you have to know the show.

Third, like Arya, Diane is principled. She makes political choices according to what she believes is right. In doing what is right for Canadians, she has never been wrong. Her principles are a “Stark” inspiration to remain true to ourselves. These days, with the polls, some progressives in this chamber worry about the future of climate action, reconciliation and shared prosperity. Some worry it might be said that “winter is coming,” but Senator Bellemare has shown us how to be true to our values, how to respect the role of the Senate and how to serve our great nation of nations, whatever the future might hold.

Diane, we will miss you, and we are missing you. We wish you all of the happiness as you explore the regions west of Westeros.

Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.