Hon. Pierre J. Dalphond: Honourable senators, on behalf of the independent senators of the Progressive Senate Group, or PSG, it is my pleasure to pay tribute to Senator Cotter, though it still remains unclear which event will come first: Senator Cotter’s seventy-fifth birthday or our end-of-year adjournment.

Though his term with us will be relatively short — not quite five years — and began only weeks before we faced the unusual circumstances of the 2020 pandemic, I think we can all agree that Senator Cotter has used his time here wisely and productively. We have been privileged to hear his interventions on a variety of topics, and I have enjoyed the tandem role that we have sometimes played in this chamber and at the Standing Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, including on its steering committee.

Though we jurists may have contributed to some complications, it remains a pleasure for all of us to have benefited from your interpretation of the many legal issues that we have examined. Through his term here, Senator Cotter has been a fierce advocate for his province, Saskatchewan, and for its farmers and government. I remember very well the fight with the Canadian Pacific Railway.

Senator Cotter has always demonstrated empathy and respect when outlining his own positions or critiquing different views. Moreover, though from a landlocked province, he has shown the ability to navigate the occasional stormy waters of the Senate.

Senator Cotter has also showcased his humour, treating us to a variety of entertaining anecdotes in his remarks. I particularly enjoyed hearing about his sweatshirt emblazoned with the phrase, “This case ought to have been simple, but the lawyers have made it complicated.”

Brent, you will leave a legacy in the Senate in its Hansard in addition to leaving a lasting reminder of your kindness through the decorative pillows that you have provided many of us, courtesy of your daughter, Kelly.

I can add that I will continue to borrow from you the Cotter style of presentation or introduction for my speeches. I really enjoyed it, Professor Cotter.

On behalf of my colleagues in the PSG and all of us here today, I wish you a wonderful retirement with Elaine. I know she loves horses, like we all do, and that you will monitor our future discussions about that issue. But I can’t imagine this will be the last time we hear from you, and I look forward to seeing you again in what comes next. Thank you. Have a happy retirement, my friend.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.