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 Iris G. Petten has been summoned to the Senate.

Hon. Iris G. Petten, of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Fabian Manning.

Hon. Iris G. Petten, of St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, introduced between Hon. Marc Gold, P.C., and Hon. Fabian Manning.

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 Iris G. Petten has been summoned to the Senate.

Hon. Marc Gold (Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, on behalf of the Government Representative Office, I rise today to welcome Senator Iris Petten to the Senate of Canada.

Senator Petten holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Vocational Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland. Later, her alma mater would honour her with an honorary degree, a Doctor of Laws.

An important part of Senator Petten’s previous career was defined by her time in the business world and her success as an entrepreneur. In 1984, Senator Petten began her career in the fishing industry with Fishery Products International. She would then be a founding shareholder and serve as Vice-President of Grand Atlantic Seafoods. In 2000, she would co-found Ocean Choice International, where she remained until 2008.

It was as early as her childhood that Senator Petten began her apprenticeship in the world of fishing. Her father was a fisherman and a boatbuilder, as were generations before him.

Senator Petten, your deep roots will prove invaluable in advancing matters of importance to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but I suspect much of your knowledge and skills of the fishing industry are transferable, and they will surely serve as a boon and an asset to the Pacific and Arctic coastal regions and the maritime challenges that we know they face.

[Translation]

In addition to a long and brilliant career in the Atlantic fishing industry, Senator Petten has been an active member of her community, namely by serving three terms as the chair of the Board of Regents of Memorial University of Newfoundland from 2013 to 2022.

[English]

Senator Petten, once again, welcome to the Senate of Canada. We are honoured to count you among our colleagues. I speak for all of us, but I’m especially sure that Senators Manning, Marshall, Wells and Ravalia will ensure that you’re made to feel very much at home here in Ottawa, as will we all.

Welcome, and thank you very much.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: Honourable senators, it is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to the newest member of the Senate of Canada, Senator Iris G. Petten, and as well to your loved ones who are with us, present in the galley.

Her appointment to the chamber is a testament to her distinguished career as a businesswoman in a vital industry to Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as to Canada, and her proven commitment to her province as well as to our country.

Honourable Senator Petten, as a member of the Senate of Canada, you will have the opportunity to contribute your expertise and knowledge to the important work of this upper chamber of the Canadian Parliament.

Your experience in the fishing industry, as well as your service on Memorial University’s Board of Regents will, without a doubt, prove invaluable as we tackle the pressing issues for our regions, for our fellow citizens as well as for our country.

To quote you:

Growing up, you weren’t defined by how you looked like, what education you got, but you were defined by your work ethic.

Your proven work ethic, sense of duty and dedication to representing the interests of the people of your province and all Canadians will undoubtedly be a significant asset to the Senate’s deliberations.

For nearly a decade, you have devoted your time and effort to giving back to Memorial University, the place where you studied. Your unwavering dedication stems from your strong belief in the importance of education, for the resilience of your province and the creation of opportunities for younger generations.

As the eldest of a family with three brothers and two sisters, you always made an effort to help, whether it was in your home or, later, in your career. Despite being far from home here in Ottawa, you have now joined a large family — the Senate of Canada family.

In the conclusion of your role as board chair at Memorial University, you cited Mother Teresa when she said, “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”

As I am sure this phrase still resonates with you today, I am full of hope that, together, we will indeed do great things.

On behalf of all members of the Independent Senators Group, I extend our sincerest congratulations on your appointment. We look forward to working with you in the interests of all Canadians. Welcome.

Hon. Scott Tannas: Honourable senators, on behalf of my colleagues in the Canadian Senators Group, I welcome Senator Iris Petten to the Senate. Senator Petten is a resident of Port de Grave, Newfoundland and Labrador. She is a highly successful entrepreneur and a senior executive with over 35 years of experience in the fishing industry.

This announcement of your nomination was a particular delight for us, especially for Senator Black from our group, who up to now has been the only, lonely expert in food production in the Senate. The Senate desperately needs many strong voices from the food industry and especially those who know where food comes from. We will, no doubt, benefit greatly from your expertise as we review legislation and public policy.

Senator, you probably know this, but you are the third Petten to serve in the Senate. The first Petten was named to the Senate in 1949 with Newfoundland and Labrador joining Confederation. Then, interestingly, his son served as a senator until 1998.

I’m not sure if these are your family members, but we’re interested in finding out, and I look forward to hearing more about that. For close to half of the 20th century, a Petten has sat in this place. Now, as our 21st-century Senator Petten, this place seems a little more complete with your arrival.

Senator Petten, welcome to the Senate. My colleagues and I look forward to working with you.