Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, it is a great pleasure to welcome the Honourable Ian Shugart as our newest colleague representing the province of Ontario.

Senator Shugart has had a long and illustrious career in Canada’s civil service spanning more than four decades.

From 1980 to 1982, Senator Shugart worked as a constitutional policy adviser for the Leader of the Opposition Joe Clark. As a matter of fact, in that capacity he was hired by the leader’s Chief of Staff at the time, our colleague Senator Harder. During those years, he also worked closely with Jake Epp, a minister in the Clark government whose election campaign had been chaired by our colleague Senator Plett. As Senator Shugart’s career progressed, and he took on the position of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, one of his close associates was our colleague Senator Boehm.

As a constitutional policy adviser during the period 1980-82, Senator Shugart, in all likelihood, spent time in this very building. The constitutional negotiations between federal and provincial counterparts were being held here in the rooms now designated for Senate committee hearings.

Senator Shugart, I imagine that you never anticipated a return to Ottawa’s old railway station in order to take your seat as the newest senator from Ontario.

As we all know, Senator Shugart brings a wealth of policy experience to our chamber in the areas of health, environment, employment and social development and foreign affairs. His knowledge on these matters is a welcome asset to this chamber. His time as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet capped off a successful career serving governments of both stripes.

Speaking for myself — and all of us, I am sure — I look forward to working with you, Senator Shugart, and I welcome you to the Senate of Canada.