Mr. Speaker, to quote Senator Pate's maiden speech, she said, “I have often found myself driven either by rage or despair as I've tried to address that which I could not and will never accept”. The entire chamber rose to applaud her fearlessness after delivering this speech. Her journey fighting injustice in Canada's prison system was featured in The Globe and Mail, where she was described as having braved “a numbing world that tests the souls of all who touch it, filled with extremes of...apathy and...barbarity.”
It is incredible to me that the senator weathered that storm, yet still has so much to give to Canadians. I am humbled that she chose to join the ranks of parliamentarians. Like all of her colleagues I have discussed, she presents a new standard of excellence, not just for our team on Parliament Hill but for all Canadians. Her example teaches us to raise our voices, sharpen our minds, and commit to always opening our hearts.
The appointment of these individuals, and 21 others, through our government's new appointments process, is remaking the face of the Senate. Once a house of patronage appointments, with little credibility as a democratic institution, we are striving to change the Senate for the better. Our government is filling the upper house with qualified Canadians who represent diverse backgrounds and unique communities in Canada. These community leaders will represent the interests of groups whose representation might otherwise be overlooked by Canada's democracy.
It is the belief of our government that by reforming the Senate, the red chamber can be refashioned into an institution that enhances the quality and representativeness of Canada's Parliament.