To everything there is a season

As my retirement date approaches on January 31, I’m taking time to reflect not only the past eight years as a senator but my entire life’s journey. A time to perhaps pause at this threshold of my life as I begin to recreate myself and find my path forward.

It’s bittersweet as I leave behind my time in Ottawa especially with my colleagues and the work we shared.

On December 10, International Human Rights Day, I was privileged to be honoured in the Red Chamber by several of my colleagues. As well, I delivered my final speech and appreciation to our Senate family.

Later that day, Speaker Raymonde Gagné hosted a reception where my family (see first photo above), friends and colleagues attended as we celebrated. To finish off the celebration, my family and friends joined me for dinner in the Parliamentary Dining Room. I’m truly grateful for this special time, and especially that my family and my longtime Director of Parliamentary Affairs Anthony Lamoureux and his family were able to join me for this wonderful occasion.

Resources:

• Tributes to Senator Nancy Hartling (video)

• Tributes to Senator Nancy Hartline (text)

During the month of January, I have been involved in various activities preparing for my retirement. On January 1, at the Town of Riverview New Year’s Day Levee, I received a special certificate of appreciation from Mayor Andrew J. LeBlanc. This was very meaningful, as I am so grateful to live here and to have been given the unique opportunity to represent New Brunswick in the Senate. (See second photo above.)

Some activities this month included meeting with Vanessa Galluchon from Dieppe about the name change of JDRF to Breakthrough T1D (T1D = Type 1 Diabetes) and the strategy going forward. (See third photo above.) I will continue to be involved with activities around T1D both locally and nationally. Vanessa lives with T1D and attends university while advocating for this cause. I was grateful that she shared her lived experience with me during our meeting. I’m looking to the walk for T1D in June 2025 in Moncton.

I also would like to say that I'm very proud of the work of Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, who’s been a tremendous colleague and friend, particularly during our time at the Human Rights Committee. I’m so pleased to see her featured in the recent short film Standing Tall.

Resource:

• Standing Tall: New short film highlights the work of two prominent Black Nova Scotian women

A special thanks to Anthony Lamoureux, Director of Parliamentary Affairs, my colleague, and friend. Through these eight years, you’ve grown into your role and I’ve always appreciated your commitment and contribution to the work at our office. Thanks so much! I know you’ll continue to be successful.

Earlier in January, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his plan to leave his position. Although it’s a time for change, I do want to thank him for his leadership and commitment to Canada and I wish him well in his future. (See fourth photo above. Shown in the photo are Senator Karen Sorensen, Prime Minister Trudeau, myself and Senator Pat Duncan.)

As I leave the Senate, I know I’ll find ways to contribute to my community and our country while enjoying my free time. I wish each of you a wonderful new year with positive outcomes and peace and hope for the future.

With immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve our country,

Nancy

A message from Anthony Lamoureux

A great big thank-you to all our patient readers! Throughout the years that we have published this newsletter – all 45 issues! – I have always tried to be accurate and positive, and I hope that my contributions have reflected that ethos. I always looked forward to publishing the next edition, so perhaps we will get to meet again in another newsletter!

My thanks also go to Brian Cormier of Bricor Communications in Moncton, our keen-eyed editor, to my former colleague in this office – Natalie Essiembre – for being my mentor, and to Senator Hartling, for providing so many exciting opportunities. A special thanks to all our other staff and contractors who have joined us over the years! Finally, I can’t miss out on the opportunity to say hello to my youngest reader Freyja and my dearest reader Alissa!

2025 will be a year of tremendous change; stay positive and let’s help one another to the best of our abilities!

Anthony Lamoureux

Director of Parliamentary Affairs

Senator Nancy Hartling

King Charles III Coronation Medal ceremony

On December 5, I had the honour of celebrating the extraordinary contributions of 17 members of my community by awarding them the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medal was created to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023, and is the first Canadian commemorative medal to mark a coronation. The medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding individuals from all walks of life who have made a difference in New Brunswick and across Canada. Recipients distinguished themselves by virtue of their talents, their generosity, and their service to their community and to our country.

In partnership with His Worship Andrew J. LeBlanc, we were able host the ceremony in the council chamber of Riverview Town Hall. Recipients, nominators, as well as their friends and families were invited for this special occasion. Recipients were piped in by Mike Lee of the “J” Division Pipes and Drums Band, and we were serenaded by Melanie Beaulieu who performed our National Anthem and God Save the King. The ceremony was emceed by my staff member Anthony Lamoureux, and official photos were taken by Karen Casey Photography Studio. A formal reception followed.

Mayor LeBlanc and I awarded medals to the following exceptional recipients:

• Rina Arseneault, CM

• Sophia Carpenter

• Cecile Cassista

• The late Bev Crossman (first photo below group photo), accepted by her family

• Amanda Devison

• Karen Nancy Dunnett

• Maurice Henri

• Albert Edward Jackson

• Captain Jacques Leger

• Dr. Cathy Rogers

• Judy Roy

• Dr. Rhonda Rubin

• Ann Seamans

• Danielle Whalen

Unfortunately, a snowstorm that day prevented some nominees from attending, and they were awarded their medals in separate ceremonies. These include:

• Michel Goguen (second photo below group photo)

• Christian Cardell Corbet (third photo below group photo)

• Andrew Harold Rogers (fourth photo below group photo)

My sincere congratulations and thanks to all the participants and recipients. Every recipient demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their community and to others, and it is my hope that the medal serves as a reminder to them for all they have accomplished, and surely will continue to accomplish. A tremendous thank-you to the staff at Riverview Town Hall, including Shauna McGrath and His Worship Andrew LeBlanc for their participation, and a heartfelt thanks to the Piper, Mike Lee, singer Melanie Beaulieu and photographer Karen Casey.

Congratulations to Her Honour the Honourable Louise Imbeault

I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to Her Honour the Honourable Louise Imbeault, who was installed as New Brunswick’s 33rd Lieutenant Governor on January 22. Ms. Imbeault’s background as a journalist, women’s rights activist and champion of the Acadian community make her the perfect fit for this role.

Well-known and active in her community, I am certain she will make waves in her new role. A tremendous thanks to our outgoing Lieutenant Governor, Her Honour the Honourable Brenda Murphy. As the first openly LGBT person to hold any viceregal office in Canada, Brenda Murphy is a trailblazer, her charisma and energy will be missed.

Photo courtesy of the City of Moncton.

Resource:

• Prime Minister announces new Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick

Order of Canada appointments

Congratulations to the most recent appointees to the Order of Canada! The cornerstone of the Canadian honours system, the Order of Canada represents the highest honour bestowed upon Canadians, and celebrates achievement and excellence in every facet of our society. I am especially proud of our New Brunswick appointees:

• Diane Pitre, C.M., of Campbellton, New Brunswick, who fought for reparations for those who were wronged by the LGBT purge.

• Bernard Richard, C.M. of Cap-Pelé, New Brunswick, whose work as a child and youth advocate safeguarded the rights of children and youth in New Brunswick and across Canada.

Resource:

• Appointments to the Order of Canada – December 18, 2024

Senate retirements

The second-to-last week of Senate sittings in December was bittersweet, as we bade farewell to Senator Brent Cotter, Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais and to yours truly! The three of us will all retire as we reach the mandatory retirement age of 75, though we all feel we have plenty left to do! In addition, Senator Stephen Greene, Senator Jane Cordy, and Senator Ratna Omidvar all retired in November, which just goes to show how dynamic the Red Chamber can be. I wish all my retired colleagues good health, and I hope that they, like me, will get to spend more time with their families.

Resources:

• “A huge privilege”: Senator Omidvar bids farewell to the Red Chamber

• “You’ll never believe it!”: Senator Greene reflects on his path to the Senate

• “Hard work, but a lot of fun”: Senator Cordy reflects on 24 years in the Senate

• “The best I can, right to the end”: Senator Cotter retires from the Senate

• Tributes to Senator Nancy Hartling

• Tributes to Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais

Senate appointments

As senators retire, so too are new senators appointed! Congratulations to Allister Surette of Nova Scotia and Nancy Karetak-Lindell of Nunavut who were appointed to the Senate on December 19. As I prepare to retire from the Red Chamber, I remember fondly my first days in this place, and I wish my new colleagues great success, although they will have to wait until after March 24 when Parliament resumes to be sworn-in!

From the Prime Minister’s Office:

• Allister Surette is a respected leader and executive with over 30 years of experience in education, politics, and governance. From 1993 to 1998, he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia and held several portfolios within Cabinet during that time. From 2011 to 2024, he was President and Vice-Chancellor of the Université Sainte-Anne, in Church Point, Nova Scotia. He has long been a champion of Canada’s Francophone and Acadian communities.

• Nancy Karetak-Lindell has been a strong voice for the North in Canada throughout her life, advocating for the region’s unique cultural, economic, and environmental interests. From 1997 to 2008, she was the first Member of Parliament to represent the newly established riding of Nunavut. A strong Inuk leader, she served as President of Inuit Circumpolar Council Canada. She is also an active member of her community and the recipient of various honours, including the Order of Canada.

Resource:

• Prime Minister announces the appointment of senators

Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples (APPA)

Of all the committees I have been a member of, I believe the Standing Senate Committee on Indigenous Peoples (APPA) does some of the most important and impactful work. The relationship between Canada and Indigenous, Métis and Inuit people is the most crucial, and the advancement of reconciliation for historical and ongoing harms is an absolute must. The work can be disheartening at times, as we learn more about our often difficult history, but the impact of reconciliation is generational, and so much terrific work has been done at APPA. I am truly sad to be leaving, but I am deeply thankful for my colleagues, and especially our chair, Senator Brian Francis, our clerks Andrea Mugny and Sébastien Payet, our committee support staff and analysts.

So much of our work was groundbreaking, and pushed for fundamental change, and our most recent report Respected and Protected: Towards the establishment of an Indigenous human rights framework is no exception. The report was the culmination of many meetings, where we heard from 46 witnesses to explore the question of whether existing human rights mechanisms were able to properly defend the rights of Indigenous peoples in Canada, particularly given their unique circumstances, the development of Indigenous law and UNDRIP, and the federal government’s historically antagonistic stance.

What the committee found was an extraordinary tapestry of Indigenous knowledge and expertise and a consensus view that there were many barriers preventing Indigenous peoples from bringing complaints to the Canadian Human Rights Commission, that the existing system does not adequately address systemic complaints, and that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was not fully reflected in Canada’s human rights landscape. Most importantly, the report calls for the establishment of an Indigenous Human Rights Ombudsperson and Tribunal that is grounded by Indigenous expertise, laws and cultural values.

This report joins others our committee has produced this session, including Not Enough: All Words and No Action on MMIWG; Make it Stop! Ending the Remaining Discrimination in Indian Registration; Honouring the Children Who Never Came Home: Truth, Education and Reconciliation; and Missing Records, Missing Children. This on top of our legislative work, which included the study of Bill S-219, An Act respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day; Bill C-29: An Act to Provide for the Establishment of a National Council for Reconciliation; Bill S-10, An Act to give effect to the Anishinabek Nation Governance Agreement, to amend the Sechelt Indian Band Self-Government Act and the Yukon First Nations Self-Government Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts; Bill C-51, An Act to give effect to the self-government treaty recognizing the Whitecap Dakota Nation / Wapaha Ska Dakota Oyate and to make consequential amendments to other Acts; and Bill S-16, An Act respecting the recognition of the Haida Nation and the Council of the Haida Nation.

APPA has accomplished so much, and I am proud to have joined with my likeminded colleagues in advocating for reconciliation these past years, and I know the work will continue in earnest after my retirement.

Resource:

• Respected and Protected: Towards the establishment of an Indigenous human rights framework

Legislation

The legislative agenda has been fraught with uncertainty ever since the Supply and Confidence agreement between the NDP and governing Liberals fell apart in September. Moving any legislation forward has been a balancing act, though I am pleased to report the following bills received royal assent in December. With the prorogation of Parliament announced on January 6, and the announced resignation of Prime Minister Trudeau; there is a lot of uncertainty in Ottawa.

A Liberal leadership race has been announced, though even with a new leader in place by the time Parliament resumes on March 24, it seems unlikely that Parliament will sit for long as opposition parties have made it clear they will not support this government. An election therefore seems likely in the spring. With all the political uncertainty, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Prime Minister for his service, particularly on the reconciliation file. It has not been easy!

Bill C-40

Bill C-40, the Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission Act (David and Joyce Milgaard's Law) received Royal Assent in December. C-40 was named in honour of David Milgaard who was wrongfully convicted of murder and spent 23 years in prison before being exonerated. The bill is important as it touches on the process the government undertakes to deal with wrongful convictions – errors in the criminal justice system that result in a person receiving an unwarranted sentence or being convicted of a crime they did not commit.

By their nature, wrongful convictions are hard to detect, but they cause egregious harm when they occur. It is estimated that at least 89 people have been wrongfully convicted in Canada (the real number is likely much higher), and since 1997, the current ministerial review process has reviewed 200 applications, resulting in 30 cases being sent back to court, with 24 resulting in a different outcome. The existing process is cumbersome and extremely slow, and, despite racialized people being overrepresented in the criminal justice system, only 7 of the 30 applicants was a racialized person, and all of them were male. C-40 will establish an independent body called the Miscarriage of Justice Review Commission to replace the Minister of Justice’s current role in reviewing miscarriage of justice applications. Its broad mandate will allow it to identify and refer potential miscarriages of justice back to the courts expeditiously and address systemic issues to help prevent them.

I was pleased to provide support for the bill as the legislative lead on behalf of the Independent Senators Group, which included developing a briefing session where we heard from criminal justice reform expert James Lockyer, best known for exposing the wrongful convictions of Guy Paul Morin, David Milgaard, and Gregory Parsons. My thanks go to the bill’s sponsor, Senator David Arnot, for his tireless efforts in moving this important bill forward.

Bill C-78

Bill C-78, Tax Break for All Canadians Act also received royal assent in December. The bill was touted as an affordability measure which temporarily removed the GST/HST on certain items like groceries, restaurant meals, drinks, snacks, children’s clothing, and gifts. It is estimated that most families will save between $100 to $260 over the course of the “tax holiday” between December 14, 2024, and February 15, 2025.

Bill C-280

Bill C-280, Financial Protection for Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Farmers Act received royal assent in December. The bill is described as a measure of protection for fruit and vegetable farmers by providing that perishable fruits and vegetables sold by a supplier to a purchaser, and the proceeds of the sale of those items, are to be held in trust by the purchaser for the supplier in the event that the purchaser has not fully paid for the fruits or vegetables and becomes bankrupt. In effect, fruit and vegetable farmers are given super-priority to recuperate their costs in the event that the purchaser becomes bankrupt, above all other creditors.

9-8-8: A new suicide-prevention number to call for help in Canada

I am pleased to welcome the new 9-8-8 service, a helpline for Canadians experiencing a mental health crisis that may lead to suicide. The national service was launched across Canada on November 30.

Canada’s new three-digit suicide crisis helpline is now available to call or text, in English and French, 24/7/365.

According to the Government of Canada’s news release, “The Government of Canada and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) have worked closely with partners from across many different sectors in the months leading up to today’s launch. Those partnerships are the foundation of the 9-8-8 network. This includes local partners such as Distress Centres of Greater Toronto and Gerstein Crisis Centre, Distress Centre of Ottawa, Crisis Prevention, Intervention and Information Centre for Northern BC, Canadian Mental Health Association Edmonton and others across the country, as well as national partners such as Kids Help Phone and Hope for Wellness, who will continue to provide dedicated service through 9-8-8 to youth and Indigenous communities. As the 9-8-8 system continues to mature and evolve, PHAC and CAMH will continue to explore ways to build the network and support current and future network partners.”

If you or someone you know may be thinking of suicide, please don’t hesitate to call or text 9-8-8.

Resources:

• 9-8-8 - Suicide Crisis Helpline

• Government of Canada launches three-digit suicide crisis helpline

Dial 211 for assistance in time of need

Whether it’s help accessing food, mental health supports, or other non-emergency programs and services in your community, simply dial 2-1-1. 211 is a free helpline and the calls are answered 24/7 in 170 languages.

Community Navigators will talk to you about your situation and help you find the right solutions.

Whether you’re a senior feeling isolated or anxious about getting your basic necessities, an individual uncertain about whether there are assistance programs for which you are eligible, or a parent worried about your child’s mental health, help starts with 211.

New Brunswick’s 211 service has been enhanced to help connect callers who are experiencing family, intimate partner and sexual violence with the appropriate community and social resources.

The 211 helpline navigators, who respond directly to callers, received comprehensive training last month from the Women’s Equality Branch on the various services available related to these issues. The training addressed patterns of behaviour, risk factors and supportive ways to engage with callers who are being subjected to violence.

Resource:

• 211.ca

Senate of Canada: Did you know?

Building the new Parliament Welcome Centre: Parliament Hill’s skyline has a new addition! A third crane was installed in December to support the construction of the new underground Parliament Welcome Centre.

Can’t see it in person? Check out the excavation site in front of Centre Block using the Hill cam – and keep an eye out for more changes in 2025: ow.ly/LF6B50UC7rK

Recent news from the Senate of Canada

For news releases issued in July and August, please visit the Senate of Canada Newsroom link below.

• January 22, 2025: 2024 a year of milestones and cultural celebrations for “the Rock”: Senator Petten

• January 6, 2025: Prorogation puts Parliament on hold

• December 20, 2024: Soil is Canada’s unheralded national asset: Senator Simons

• December 18, 2024: “The best I can, right to the end”: Senator Cotter retires from the Senate

• December 18, 2024: At a glance

• December 17, 2024: Time for Canada to rethink its Arctic strategy: Senator Marty Deacon

• December 16, 2024: Northern communities on the front line of climate change: Senator Anderson

• December 13, 2024: Senate recalled in anticipation of public business

• December 12, 2024: Indigenous human rights body needed to fill gaps in Canada’s human rights institutions

• December 11, 2024: The Canadian Style: How Centre Block’s carvers fell under a northern spell

• December 9, 2024: Canada a sound ally in troubled times: Senator Dean

• December 6, 2024: Critical transportation infrastructure vulnerabilities place lives and prosperity at risk, Senate report finds

• December 6, 2024: “You’ll never believe it!”: Senator Greene reflects on his path to the Senate

• December 5, 2024: Stopping the looming crisis of antimicrobial resistance: Senator Ravalia

• December 4, 2024: Scarce and degraded soil will make food prices soar: Senator Black

• December 3, 2024: Bank of Canada’s ancient mandate requires urgent review: Senate banking committee

• December 3, 2024: Canada shirking its responsibility to growing millions of forcibly displaced people

Click here for a complete list of news releases from the Senate of Canada.

About the Senate of Canada

The Senate’s fundamental role is to be a complementary legislative body to the elected House of Commons in providing sober second thought. In that role, the Senate acts essentially as a reviewing chamber on proposed bills before they are passed. The Senate has a fundamental role to play as a chamber for the representation of regional interests.

The Senate has become an important institution for the representation of minority interests and groups who may be underrepresented in the elected chamber (such as Indigenous peoples, minority language and ethnic groups, and women). In addition, the Senate’s committees play an investigative role in undertaking studies on important social and political issues facing the country, such as poverty, aging, unemployment, land use, and national defense.

For more information on the Senate of Canada, including recent news, visit its website.