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

Honourable senators, I add my voice to that of the Leader of the Government in the Senate in welcoming our five new colleagues to this chamber. Much has been said and written about these appointments, but as always, the real measure of the wisdom of each of our appointments is the quality of our work here. Each honourable senator brings expertise and a unique perspective to this place. I look forward to working with each of you in the weeks and months ahead as we do our part to make Canada the best that it can be for all Canadians.

Let me take a moment to repeat some of the advice I gave to the 27 senators appointed by Prime Minister Harper last year. First, honourable senators, do not believe everything you have heard or read about this place. Look around. Take a few minutes to check out the backgrounds of your colleagues on both sides of this chamber. Honourable senators will find an unusual assemblage of highly accomplished Canadians with diverse backgrounds, often with international reputations — scholars, lawyers, surgeons, former judges, mayors, elected representatives from provinces and from the other place, journalists, community workers, members who have served in the Canadian Forces, artists, musicians and athletes. There is a rich depth and breadth of knowledge and expertise here.

Honourable senators, read some of the landmark reports that have issued from this place. A significant number have become leading works in their fields, cited and referred to again and again over the years and sometimes over the decades. Invariably, Canadian public policy has been better informed because of these reports.

Honourable senators, pull out some of the legislative studies our committees have undertaken. You will see the seriousness with which your colleagues analyze and assess the proposals that are before us in this chamber. They listen to Canadians who have taken the time to present their considered and deeply held views; they check for unintended consequences of particular drafting in the language of bills; and they work to craft amendments that will solve the identified problems.

Whether our new senators agree with the amendments put forward from time to time by their colleagues, I believe they will recognize that the amendments have been thoughtfully and seriously prepared with a view to the best interests of Canadians, even if those interests differ from their own.

Of course the Senate is a political place, but it has a strong and proud history of being less partisan than the other place. All of us are here because we are committed to public service. We are committed to do our best to make Canada the best that it can be, and while no doubt we will disagree many times as to what that goal entails, I believe that there will be many times also when we will find ourselves in agreement. Many of us on both sides of this chamber work hard to find bipartisan solutions to issues. That is not always possible, but I believe that when we are able to set partisanship aside, Canadians and the Senate benefit.

I acknowledge that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish partisan objectives from the public interest, and undoubtedly, at times each of us is convinced that the two are identical, but we were all summoned here with the following words:

KNOW YOU, that as well for the especial trust and confidence We have manifested in you, as for the purpose of obtaining your advice and assistance in all weighty and arduous affairs which may the State and Defence of Canada concern, We have thought fit to summon you to the Senate of Canada.

In those words, there is no mention of partisan politics, of particular interests, of acting as a rubber stamp. Rather, the best advice and assistance we can provide in all matters that concern the state and defence of Canada is what we are expected and obligated to provide. The obligation that we have each assumed is a weighty one.

I will end as I concluded last year when welcoming other new colleagues to the Senate. Honourable senators, I am confident that you will find the work here to be challenging, interesting, sometimes inspiring, and always with the potential of being extraordinarily satisfying. You have been afforded a unique opportunity to serve Canada. Take full advantage of it. If you do, you will find your time here to be a rich and rewarding experience, and Canada will be better off for your having been here. Welcome to the Senate.

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