Hon. Donald Neil Plett (Leader of the Opposition): Honourable senators, those of you who were at the Internal Economy Committee meeting this morning know that I was a bit of a grinch, so let me end the season, however, by saying a few kind words.

Colleagues, as we approach the end of the session, and as Christmas is just around the corner, I want to take an opportunity to say a few kind words and thank a few people. I prepared a bit of a list.

First on my list of Christmas kindness are thank yous. Let me begin by thanking the Speaker for hosting the Senate’s Christmas party this year. It was a wonderful time to be together after two or three years, whatever it has been. It was a great time to enjoy one another’s company and dance the night away, that is at least until 8:30 p.m. And for some of us, that was enough.

Humour aside, Your Honour, it may be a little early to speak about this, but by Christmas 2023 you will be retired. So this will be our last Senate Christmas together, unless you find a new birth certificate. Therefore, Your Honour, I also want to thank you personally for all that you have done over the years, both in your role as the Speaker as well as in your role prior to that. The role you play in ensuring this chamber runs smoothly, while exercising incredible patience, is something that I have an appreciation for, but your friendship is what I am the most thankful for.

My gratitude is also directed to our Speaker pro tempore, table officers, the Black Rod and his office, our security, the administration and all senators and their staff in this great big family that we call our own.

To my own staff, thank you for the incredible support you offer to me and our caucus. I often brag that I have the best team on Parliament Hill, but I don’t think it’s bragging when you are speaking the truth.

To my caucus and my leadership team, I want to thank you for the year we have shared. As we get smaller in numbers, we have had the opportunity to build strong bonds by working closer than ever before as we continue to be a very effective opposition in the Senate of Canada. Canadians across the country have noticed the incredible work you do on their behalf, so I thank you for your ongoing dedication.

To the leaders of the other groups — Marc, Raymonde, Jane and Scott — may the holidays offer you a nice break. It has been a pleasure. Yes, we have had some difficult discussions, but it has been a pleasure working with all of you.

The next item on my Christmas kindness list this year is one very close to my heart. I want to thank the outstanding men and women in uniform — military, security and firefighters. You are the courageous heroes of our country. Your service provides reassurance and hope for the future. Whether you are abroad or at home, it is my hope that you know our appreciation, as you deserve our highest recognition.

To our veterans, I know that the recent news has caused you much grief, and this is regrettable. I sincerely pray that you may feel in your hearts the true gratitude that Canadians have toward what you have done and what you continue to stand for. You deserve our utmost respect.

This brings me to my third item of Christmas kindness, sing Christmas carols. But last Thursday, I was reminded that Senator Gold and Senator Ringuette together with the Usher of the Black Rod and Senator Cormier are the much more talented ones when it comes to music. Therefore, I will keep quiet on the carolling front. We found out that my forte is dancing, and I thank Senator Pate for dragging me out of my chair and getting me, I would like to say, out of my comfort zone, but my wife reminded me that, after a few drinks, that probably is my comfort zone.

Colleagues, in the spirit of Christmas kindness, I have decided to be brief, but the fourth item and last on my list is to share the true meaning of Christmas for me.

The birth of Christ makes up the essence of this sacred season and brings with it the promise of hope and renewal. This is, indeed, a time for joyful reunions with family and friends, a time to reflect on all of our blessings and a time to give back and to pray for those in need. It is my hope that the Christmas message brings all of us comfort as we reflect on the year that has gone by, and that it gives us hope as we prepare to welcome the year ahead.

So to my Senate family, I want to wish you all a very merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah and all the best for 2023. Please be safe, and I truly look forward to seeing you and spending time with you next year. Thank you, colleagues.