Statement made on 26 May 2009 by Senator Catherine Callbeck
Hon. Catherine S. Callbeck:
Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to a fellow Islander and former Senate colleague who passed away recently at the age of 85 years.
The Honourable Dr. Orville Phillips was called to the Senate by the Right Honourable John Diefenbaker and ably served his home province of Prince Edward Island and his country throughout the term of eight prime ministers. He was a distinguished member of this chamber for more than 35 years, making him one of Canada's longest-serving senators.
Senator Phillips made his mark during his time here. The prosperity and well-being of the people of Prince Edward Island were always foremost in his mind. He worked hard on our behalf on a number of initiatives such as the creation of Slemon Industrial Park, which replaced the closed CFB Summerside, as well as the establishment of the GST centre in Summerside. He also, with the late Dr. Lorne Bonnell, championed the building of a fixed link and sponsored in the Senate the legislation that made Confederation Bridge a reality.
Senator Phillips made an outstanding contribution to the work of this chamber. At one time or another, he had been a member of nearly every Senate committee and served on many special committees.
He was especially committed to the work of the Veterans Affairs Subcommittee. Having served with distinction in the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War II, he was strongly committed to efforts to improve the lives of veterans and their families throughout this country. In fact, not long before his retirement, he travelled with former Island Senator Archie Johnstone to veterans' health care centres across the country to examine the quality of their facilities and care. As a result, they released the valuable report entitled: Raising the Bar: Creating a New Standard in Veterans Health Care. I understand that most of their recommendations have been implemented.
Before his time in the Senate, Dr. Phillips distinguished himself as a member of Parliament, representing what was then the riding of Prince in Prince Edward Island. As has been mentioned, he was first elected in 1957, and was re-elected twice more in 1958 and 1962. It is a mark of the respect and esteem in which he was held by his constituents that he was sent to Ottawa on three occasions.
I was privileged to serve in this chamber for a short time with Senator Phillips. Although I had previously known him through my involvement in provincial and federal politics, I was impressed with the kind advice and assistance he provided to me as a newly appointed senator.
I offer my sincere sympathy and condolences to Senator Phillips' family and friends. He will be missed.