Hon. Wanda Thomas Bernard: Honourable senators, I am truly privileged to rise today, on International Human Rights Day, to pay tribute to Senator Hartling on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group.
As you have heard, Senator Hartling was appointed to the Senate as an independent senator for New Brunswick in November 2016, following quite an outstanding career focused on empowering families and addressing social issues.
Her work has always been grounded on principles of economic and social justice and human rights. She is a member of the Order of New Brunswick and received the Governor General’s Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case for her community service. Her career in advocating for children’s and women’s rights carried through to her work in the Senate. My colleagues have spoken about that very well today.
In addition to her contributions in the chamber and in committees, her other contributions include serving as co-chair of the All-party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus and the Canada-Cuba Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group.
Working with Senator Hartling to bring awareness and attention to social work on the Hill has truly been a highlight of my time here. Senator Hartling, I have appreciated your kindness, compassion, friendship, allyship and deep commitment to human rights. I have learned a lot through watching your leadership in action.
As I was reflecting upon the opportunity and privilege to give this speech, I thought there was no better way to end than with a quote from you on leadership.
This is a quote from Senator Hartling:
Bold leadership means social and economic justice especially for girls and women. I believe collaboration, building partnerships and empowering others will lead to a more inclusive society with an improved quality of life for all Canadians.
Senator Hartling, thank you for your years of dedicated service to help improve the quality of life for all Canadians.
I want to thank Don, your family and your friends for sharing you with us. To say that I will miss you is an understatement. I will especially miss the look, the nod and the messages that you would send without words, the messages that didn’t need words. I thank you for all of that, and I wish you the very best as you enter your next chapter.
Asante. Thank you.