Hon. Brian Francis: Honourable senators, I am pleased to rise today to celebrate the achievement of a colleague and a friend. This weekend, Mount Saint Vincent University, or MSVU, will bestow an honorary degree on one of our own, Senator Jane Cordy. She joins another colleague, Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, who was also recognized by the university in the spring.

As Senator Cordy told us last month when congratulating her alma mater on its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary, Mount Saint Vincent University is dedicated to the advancement of women and girls. Their Doctor of Humane Letters:

. . . honours worthy recipients who have contributed to the betterment of society and humanity in any field, but in particular, improvement of the status of women, contribution to higher education, humanitarian and social service, involvement with and fostering of culture and the arts, or leadership in a field of endeavour. . . .

In announcing this distinction, MSVU highlighted some of the past work of Senator Cordy, including her teaching career before she was appointed to this chamber. Her work on various landmark Senate reports was noted, particularly the report of the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology titled Out of the Shadows at Last, and her commitment to seniors, like her role on the Special Senate Committee on Aging.

As the current dean of the Senate, it’s no surprise that Senator Cordy, the third woman to represent Nova Scotia in this place, has made a sizable contribution here, and she is not done yet.

She has been a mentor to me since I joined the Progressive Senate Group. You have truly shown what it means to be a leader. I hope you know how much I appreciate your guidance and your friendship.

Jane, we are all so proud of you and will be thinking of you on October 22. I invite all honourable senators to join me in congratulating Senator Cordy on this honour. Wela’lin. Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!