The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that the Clerk of the Senate has received a certificate from the Registrar General of Canada showing that Margo Greenwood has been summoned to the Senate.

Hon. Margo Greenwood, of Vernon, British Columbia, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Yvonne Boyer.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I have the honour to inform the Senate that the Clerk of the Senate has received a certificate from the Registrar General of Canada showing that Margo Greenwood has been summoned to the Senate.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, through my voice, all members of the Independent Senators Group are delighted to welcome today our new colleague, the Honourable Senator Margo Lainne Greenwood. Senator Greenwood, I would also like to welcome your family members and loved ones who are with you today to celebrate this unique occasion.

Our new colleague is a full professor in the University of Northern British Columbia’s education program and the academic leader of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health. A recognized scholar of Cree ancestry, she has spent her career focusing on improving the health and well‑being of Indigenous children, families and communities through research and public and community services.

Senator Greenwood is far from being a novice in the study of legislation. Since 1992, she has been contributing to policy and legislation, both in her province of British Columbia and in the country as a whole. She has actively participated in the Expert Panel on Early Learning and Child Care Data and Research, held in 2019 by the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development at the time, as well as in the 2020 Public Health Working Group on Remote and Isolated Communities, to name only a few of her contributions to improving public policy.

The Senate has already had the privilege of benefiting from her expertise when she appeared as a witness in 2008 before the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science and Technology, which was followed by an informative report on early childhood and care. She has also been a strong ally of Senator Yvonne Boyer’s. They have worked together on issues related to reproductive justice and, notably, the fight against forced sterilization of Indigenous women. Now the Senate will have the opportunity to benefit from the contributions of this outstanding tandem on a regular basis.

Senator Greenwood, I could go on for hours listing the numerous and well-deserved awards and distinctions you have received throughout your career — but in three minutes, I can’t. However, I could not help but cite a passage from Places for the Good Care of Children, the doctoral thesis you successfully submitted for your PhD at the University of British Columbia. This excerpt resonates with me. Colleagues, the following words are hers:

The principles of respect, reciprocity, relevance and responsibility go beyond theory and practice to living life, to being in the world. A wise friend once told me that Indigenous ways of knowing and being in the world are not just for Indigenous peoples but are about humanity, about living with the world in a respectful and honouring way. . . .

Senator Greenwood, all members of the Independent Senators Group are looking forward to collaborating with you and benefiting from your passion and excellence in all areas of your expertise. Thank you. Meegwetch.

Hon. Yonah Martin (Deputy Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, on behalf of the opposition and the Senate Conservative caucus, I am pleased to rise in this chamber to welcome our newest colleague, the Honourable Margo Greenwood. Senator Greenwood, I wish to extend to you a very warm welcome to the Senate of Canada.

As a fellow senator from our beautiful province of British Columbia, I look forward to working with you to support and advocate for British Columbians. As former educators, we also share a love of teaching and mentoring bright, young minds who may one day themselves become senators or whatever they so choose.

Senator Greenwood is certainly a role model for many, as a respected Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry with notable achievements and a stellar record of leadership and community service. There is much written about her professional achievements, including the following on the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health site:

While her work crosses disciplines and sectors, Dr. Greenwood is particularly recognized — regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally — for her work in early childhood care and education, and in Indigenous public health.

Senator Greenwood, I am certain that your knowledge, expertise and passion for helping others will be useful and relevant in your work as a senator. As you embark on this new journey in the Senate of Canada, you will soon realize that you are not only making friends but that you have joined a new family — the Senate family. It is a family that has various opinions, perspectives and experiences but that together will serve a common purpose, which is to work for Canadians. We are here for them. We serve here, in the heart of Canadian democracy, in order to promote their best interests.

I speak not only for myself when I say we look forward to collaboratively working with you not only in this chamber but also at committee. Canadians are increasingly looking at the Senate to not only bring sober second thought and due diligence, but they are looking at the Senate for hope — hope that their voices are heard, that their concerns become ours and that together this chamber ensures the best path forward for everyone — especially minority groups — across our vast country. I trust that you will do just that.

On behalf of the opposition and the Conservative caucus, I welcome you once again to the Senate of Canada.

The Hon. the Speaker: Honourable senators, I wish to draw your attention to the presence in the gallery of the Honourable Senator Greenwood’s three sons, Jacob Hanley, Reid Church and Aaron Neilson, as well as her granddaughter, Everly Church. They are accompanied by family and friends, including the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health.

On behalf of all honourable senators, I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.