Senator Dawson: I did criticize the fact that we were thrown out of caucus in 2014. I actually mentioned it to the Prime Minister last night in a very impolite way — well, a polite way, but not respectful of the fact that he is the Prime Minister and I’m close to being a former senator. However, I did feel that I understand why it was done, but the follow-up and follow through and how — I remember when I arrived when the new independent senators had six independent senators and three government representatives. Now we have 55 independent senators, and we still have three government representatives. The work they have to do to handle all these committees and all these members just means that the PMO and the government have not understood that they also have to adapt for the fact that —

[Translation]

 — when you bring someone into the world, maybe you should listen to them.

[English]

So, when you give birth to someone, which is the independent senate, you have to listen to what the Senate is saying. The senators are saying, “You have to modernize the rules. You have to help us make this a better place.” It took six years for the Parliament of Canada Act to be changed. I’m very happy for you, but the only thing it meant is that you’re getting money. For the rest, the rules were not changed. It just means they are respecting the fact that if you have a mandate, then that mandate should be recognized. Apart from that, a lot of modernization has to be done. However, if you want to go to the PMO and ask them who will do it, there is nobody in that office mandated to deal with the Senate. I think that’s wrong.

Anyway, there are a lot of things about the reform I would like to get into, but I’ll just jump over those points. I could talk about the appointment process — I think Paul Martin had a good one, and I certainly can’t contest his judgment.

When I was thrown out of caucus in 2014, I really did feel like I should leave. I had a Liberal career, and I believed — and still believe — in partisan politics. I didn’t leave because, after that, we basically recreated the Progressive Senate Group.

I’m looking at the clerks, the Speaker and all the people who have worked in the Senate for the few years I’ve been working on the Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration Committee — I have learned to admire the work they do. It has been a very challenging and interesting experience for me. That’s one of the things I will miss; the Long Term Vision and Plan Subcommittee, the Joint Interparliamentary Council — I will miss those things. There are a lot of things I won’t miss, but I will miss those. I want to thank the people who supported us. I’m looking at Gérald, whom I have known for a long time — I will miss you too, but I will miss these people who are in front of us.

The only thing that was left was the timing of my departure; a lot of things happened. I joked about the fact that there were no more — I had to come back here all the time because they have hybrid sittings in the other place. I don’t understand why they can have hybrid sittings and we can’t; I don’t even understand why they have hybrid sittings. I was there for many years. I was always proud to sit in the House of Commons — I would rather sit in the House of Commons than be on a Zoom committee. They made their decisions.

[Translation]

This isn’t the time to go on and on, but I do know that, throughout my years in Canada’s Parliament, I truly believed I was always serving the interests of our country and our fellow citizens.

[English]

I am proud of my years as a senator. Those years have been wonderful in spite of a few bad curves. I wish the best of luck to those of you who will continue to be part of this institution, but it is time for me to go home to my wife, my family and — yes, I will repeat — to my daughter. I’m quite proud; I am anything but bragging. I am humbled by what I have heard here today. I think I have tried to live up to the fact that Paul Martin named me. My problem now is to try to live up to everything that was said.

[Translation]

Once again, I want to thank the people who gave me the opportunity to play an active role in making Canada one of the best countries in the world. I did so humbly but with great conviction and determination. Canada is still the best country in the world.

[English]

Thank you. I will be back every once in a while, but as a tourist.