Hon. James S. Cowan (Leader of the Opposition):

Honourable senators, today, I wish to pay tribute to a dear friend, a great Atlantic Canadian, and a distinguished colleague, the Honourable Marilyn Trenholme Counsell, who retired from the Senate on October 22, 2008.

We are fortunate in this place to have colleagues who bring an extraordinary depth of experience and knowledge to their work as senators. Senator Trenholme Counsell stands in the highest rank.

For many of us, an appointment to the Senate marks the beginning of a second career — not so with Marilyn. For her, it was the latest in a series of interesting, adventure-filled and meaningful vocations: nutritionist, journalist, family physician, provincial legislator, lieutenant governor, senator and through them all a community activist par excellence.

Marilyn's roots in Atlantic Canada gave her a determination to do everything in her power to improve the lives of others, particularly those who, through no fault of their own, had fallen between the cracks or were otherwise disadvantaged.

Marilyn's commitment to literacy, children and early childhood education is unwavering. In the Senate she was a tireless advocate for those causes, as well as for a multitude of other health-related issues. Most recently, she led a study in the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology examining the state of early learning and child care in Canada.

Last year, my wife, Shelagh, and I attended a memorable dinner for Marilyn in her hometown of Sackville, New Brunswick. The dinner was chaired by Senator Munson. Senator Bryden and Senator Day were also there. What struck all of us was the diversity of the guest list — family, friends, neighbours, patients, and representatives of countless groups that have been touched and helped by this remarkable woman over the course of her careers.

The stories that were exchanged that evening gave me an even greater insight into, and appreciation for, what she has achieved, and the lives touched and the causes promoted by her. She truly represents a model for all of us. We will all miss the daily contact with this warm and compassionate person who has been our colleague since 2003. Her accomplishments will endure.

I am sure her son and daughter will welcome the opportunity to spend more time with her now that she has retired from the Senate. Here, however, she will be sorely missed.

Please click here to read more tributes to the Honourable Marilyn Trenholme Counsell

Please click here to read more tributes to the Honourable Marilyn Trenholme Counsell

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