Hon. Andrew Cardozo: Honourable senators, in keeping with my colleagues, I rise today to talk about the new leadership group of the Progressive Senate Group, or PSG.

Some Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Senator Cardozo: First, I want to congratulate Senator Brian Francis on his election as leader of the PSG. Throughout his career, he has held senior management roles in the federal government and Indigenous government, culminating in his role as Chief of the Abegweit First Nation on Prince Edward Island.

Colleagues, this election is historic. Senator Brian Francis becomes the first Indigenous person to lead a group or party in either house of the Parliament of Canada.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Senator Cardozo: Your Honour, I hope I get 30 extra seconds for that standing ovation.

Also new in our leadership is Senator Tracy Muggli from Saskatchewan, who is the new caucus chair and deputy liaison. She has been an effective leader as Executive Director of St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon and the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the Saskatoon Health Region.

Continuing in the leadership group is Senator Judy White, a representative from Newfoundland and Labrador and senior executive in Indigenous government by experience. She will continue to serve us as deputy leader.

Does anyone wish to clap?

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.

Senator Cardozo: Senator Amina Gerba from Rigaud, Quebec, will shift from caucus chair to liaison. A successful business person before coming to the Senate, she will use her keen organizational skills to do her best to keep us organized — a tall order.

I want to take this opportunity to thank Senator Pierre Dalphond for his years of dedication to the Progressive Senate Group, first as deputy leader and then as leader. His understanding of the Rules of the Senate and his ability to negotiate is rivalled by few.

Pierre, Mr. Justice, professor, friend, thank you for your service and for your past advice. I’m thrilled that we can continue to count on your wise counsel in the years to come.

I would also like to thank Senator Michèle Audette for her contributions as liaison. Her ongoing advice will be invaluable.

To all these senators, I say a sincere and public thank you for taking on these leadership roles as we all work to serve Canadians.