Mr. Speaker, today the upper chamber will be honoured by the return of the infamous Senator Thompson. We should all go out of our way to welcome him back to make sure he settles in okay. We should start by getting the senator reaquainted with some of the local customs.
The upper chamber is not like the beaches of Mexico. Shirts must be worn at all times. Midday siestas are discouraged although not uncommon. The pages almost always refuse to serve banana daiquiris. There is no happy hour and you must check in your mariachi at the door.
We could also get our senator a few welcome back gifts: aspirin for the lingering margarita headache, a winter coat for the cold Ottawa evenings and a Canadian flag to remind him of the hardworking, overtaxed Canadian public.
Maybe the senator will be so moved by the generosity that he will join in the chorus of Canadian voices demanding that the Senate must be reformed.