Hon. Andrew Cardozo: Honourable senators, as we approach Canada Day and reflect on what we all do in Parliament to improve the lives of Canadians, I want to take a few minutes to thank three political leaders who were in the previous Parliament and have since left the political scene. They are, of course, the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, the Honourable Erin O’Toole and Mr. Jagmeet Singh.
Through his years as Liberal leader and the twenty-third Prime Minister of Canada, Mr. Trudeau’s accomplishments are many. Notably, he successfully renegotiated the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, with a challenging American administration, and he guided Canada through the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a combination of economic and social policies to help Canadians.
Some of his other signature policies included the Canada Child Benefit, increased attention to reconciliation, the extension of the Canada Pension Plan, the creation of the national child care program, climate change policies, assistance to Ukraine, creation of the Indo-Pacific and Africa strategies, the tightening of gun laws and a gender-equal cabinet.
I am, of course, biased in mentioning his decision to implement the most significant reform of the Senate of Canada since 1867, in only appointing senators to sit as independents. And I will note, of course, that I was appointed to the system by Prime Minister Trudeau.
Mr. Erin O’Toole was leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition for a year and a half. He championed some key causes, most notably, the expansion of the Armed Forces and the care and well-being of Canadian veterans.
He pressed for a more aggressive federal housing policy, a GST break over Christmas and an industrial carbon tax policy which, ironically, the Liberal government has subsequently adopted. Notably, he won the popular vote in 2021, albeit not the seat count.
Mr. Jagmeet Singh led his party with energy and conviction for nearly eight years, championing many progressive issues facing working people in Canada. By entering into a governing accord with the minority Liberal government, he was able to ensure two important policies. Just as Canada always associates the name of Tommy Douglas with medicare, history will appropriately record that it was Jagmeet Singh who played the key role in implementing pharmacare and dental care for years to come.
Honourable senators, of all the duties of Parliament, the leadership of a political party is certainly the most difficult. It is rarely free from controversy and opposition, and it is a difficult task for leaders and for their families.
As we think about Canada Day, and Canada, it’s appropriate we thank Justin Trudeau, Erin O’Toole and Jagmeet Singh, and their families, for their considerable service to this Parliament and to our country. Thank you.