Hon. Jane Cordy: Honourable senators, I am delighted to rise today on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group and join with other leaders in welcoming a new colleague to this chamber.
We recently heard from Minister LeBlanc when he was in our chamber for Question Period that we would soon have more Atlantic Canadians among us, and I hope this is only the beginning for our Atlantic region.
Senator Petten, as we’ve heard, your career trajectory is nothing short of impressive. Dedicating yourself to hard work, to community, to family and to entrepreneurship has served you well. You have proven that an attitude of, “Well, why can’t I do that” is a key ingredient to such success. When you received an honorary Doctor of Laws from Memorial University in Newfoundland, you told graduates how your mentors pushed you beyond your comfort zone. You said:
When they pushed me hard and expected me to learn more, to live up to the job at hand, I grew as a person. The best lessons I learned came from reaching beyond what I knew, and avoiding staying with what I was comfortable with.
Sometimes hard to do but really great advice, Senator Petten.
With your appointment, you have once again found yourself in a new situation. I suspect I speak for all senators when I say that we are looking forward to seeing how you meet this challenge. Based upon your track record, I know that we can expect great things.
Although you are not the first Senator Petten to represent Newfoundland and Labrador in this chamber, I do believe you will be the first senator to represent Port de Grave, and I am sure that they will be well served by your continued dedication to your home community.
Senator Petten, on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, it is my pleasure to officially welcome you to the Senate of Canada.
By the way, I just found out that our very own Senator Audette was born in Labrador. I did not know that until this afternoon, just two minutes before I got up to speak.
Senator Petten, we look forward to working with you. Welcome.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.