Statement made on 26 March 2009 by Senator George Furey
Hon. George J. Furey:
Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to our Clerk, Mr. Paul Bélisle, who, 15 years ago, took on the many challenges that come with the position of Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments. It has been quite a career for a young man who first came to the Senate as a page in 1971. In fact, Paul is one of the longest-serving employees of the Senate with 38 years under his belt.
While a student, he was also a messenger before joining the Committees Directorate first as a clerk and then as associate director. He served as clerk to many standing committees and some notable special joint committees, such as the committees on the Canadian Constitution, Senate reform and Canada's international affairs.
Mr. Bélisle has worked under four Speakers: Roméo Leblanc, Gildas Molgat, Daniel Hays and, of course, our current Speaker, Senator Noël Kinsella.
Paul Bélisle has also given good counsel and advice to several iterations of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration. The chairs and deputy chairs with whom he has worked include such present and former honourable senators as Senators Hastings, Kenny, Rompkey, Kroft, Bacon, Di Nino, Nolin, DeWare, Atkins, Roberston, Keon, Stratton and Tkachuk. I am privileged to be part of such august company.
Honourable senators, Mr. Bélisle works tirelessly in building and directing an administration that is both competent and professional. I can confirm his commitment to the highest standards of public service, accountability and transparency.
On behalf of the committee, I would like to congratulate and thank Mr. Bélisle.
As Chair of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, I extend my congratulations and thanks to Mr. Bélisle for his unwavering dedication to the well-being of the Senate, for his watchful eye over all of our administrative operations and for his attentive stewardship of the resources we have entrusted to him.
I know how devoted Paul is to the Senate and how proud he is of this institution.
I ask honourable senators to join me in showing our appreciation to Mr. Bélisle on completing 15 years of service as Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments and to wish him well as he continues to lead the Senate administration.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear!