Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to our esteemed colleague Senator Pat Bovey.

Since 2016, Senator Bovey has made important contributions to our debates here in the chamber, and in serving on the Standing Committees on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Rules, Transport and Communications, and Official Languages, as well as on the Special Committee on the Arctic.

As the first art historian and museologist to be appointed to the Senate, Senator Bovey has not only brought to our attention some of the pressing issues that Canadian artists face, but she has also been instrumental in showcasing the representations and visual voices of Canadians here on Senate premises. For example, she was the first to showcase the work of Black Canadian artists whose art is too often neglected in Canadian society. When visitors come to tour the Senate of Canada building and admire its art, their experience is very much enhanced by Senator Bovey’s leadership.

During the Forty-second Parliament, Senator Bovey served as the Senate sponsor of Bill C-55 — which brought forward important changes to the Oceans Act to create more marine protected areas off our coastlines, and was critical in advancing key components of the Government of Canada’s Oceans Protection Plan. Thanks to her leadership and advocacy, our country has made incredible strides in better protecting our precious marine and coastal areas, which are vital to our environmental health.

Over the years, Senator Bovey has been equally engaged in her home province of Manitoba. For example, she led the way in launching an inquiry into the 2018 tragic train derailment in northern Manitoba, which took the lives of two men from The Pas. And I am aware that she participates in walks with the Bear Clan Patrol on the streets of Winnipeg, lending a hand in picking up needles and helping some of the most vulnerable Winnipeggers, who are in distress and face hardships.

[Translation]

Our paths crossed many times over the years, whether at the Université de Saint-Boniface, where she worked as an arts management consultant, at St. Boniface Hospital’s Buhler Gallery, where she worked as the director and curator, or at the University of Manitoba, where she chaired the board of governors. However, I am grateful for the fact that we became fast friends in the Senate of Canada and in airports — yes, airports.

Pat, you are a passionate, caring woman, an experienced historian, a relationship builder and a strong and inclusive voice for artists.

[English]

Thank you, Pat, for your contribution to the Senate of Canada.

Hon. Raymonde Saint-Germain: I rise today to pay tribute to an esteemed colleague and an inspiring woman with whom I’ve had the pleasure of serving since I arrived in the Senate. We were sworn in in this chamber just a few days apart, so this is a very special and personal moment for me.

[English]

I had the opportunity to get to know Senator Bovey in the three committees that we served on together: Transport and Communications, Foreign Affairs and Internal Economy, or CIBA. In all these instances, I was truly able to witness the excellence of Senator Bovey. At the CIBA Subcommittee on Human Resources particularly — and more recently — we tackled some delicate and important issues, and I can attest that no matter the subject or the situation at hand, she always acted with the respect and courtesy that characterize her so well. Patricia, I think I can speak for all the members of the subcommittee when I say your contribution and wisdom will be sorely missed.

I also have fond memories of working alongside you at the Foreign Affairs Committee, where you acted as the driving force during our extensive study of cultural diplomacy. We spoke to it yesterday, and I want to pay tribute to you on this as well. This important study is yet another example of the quality and vision of our studies here at the Senate and a feather in the committee’s cap. It positioned Canada’s culture on the international stage and gave guidelines in order to promote it and use it to our advantage.

As you said recently in reflecting on this Foreign Affairs Committee study:

Culture portrays who we are — our national values, roots and diversities. Conveying Canadian messages and realities abroad, culture tells others what Canada is, where we come from and our courage in where we’re going.

Senator Bovey, you can be proud of the role you played in conveying these messages. You truly are a great ambassador for Canada, our artists and, broadly, for our culture.

If I had to describe Senator Bovey in three words, I would use “artist” — the easy one — “manager” and “educator.” She is someone with a strong sense of good governance, vast knowledge and impeccable artistic taste, all of which has enriched the Senate of Canada. Notably, your numerous initiatives to promote Canadian artists in the Senate will be part of your long-lasting legacy.

As I have said before, Senator Bovey, with the commitment and enthusiasm you bring to the causes you believe in, you are truly inspiring. You will soon reach the age of mandatory senatorial retirement, but your character and dedication guarantees an active and busy time in your post-Senate life. I know you will continue to serve Canadians in a different manner.

In my name and in the name of all the members of the Independent Senators Group, I wish you, the Honourable Patricia Bovey, many happy and still active years to come.

Thank you.

Hon. Raymonde Gagné (Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate): Honourable senators, I give notice that, at the next sitting of the Senate, I will move:

That, when the Senate next adjourns after the adoption of this motion, it do stand adjourned until Tuesday, May 16, 2023, at 2 p.m.