Debates of the Senate (Hansard)

1st Session, 41st Parliament,
Volume 148, Issue 41

Tuesday, December 13, 2011
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker

Tributes

The Honourable Tommy Banks

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, I, too, join other senators today to pay tribute to an amazing person: Senator Banks. Many Canadians know that Senator Banks is a well-renowned jazz musician. We here in the Senate appreciate Senator Banks’ musical talent.

Many Canadians know of Senator Banks’ hard work in the Senate. We here in the Senate appreciate Senator Banks’ hard work.

Many Canadians know of Senator Banks’ wisdom. We here in the Senate appreciate Senator Banks’ wisdom.

Thank you, Senator Banks, for your hard work.

Senator Banks, I want to thank you for all the support that you have given me, especially in the last few months while I have been struggling to handle the loss of my mother.

Senator Banks, I want you to know I will truly miss you, as I always knew that you would stand up and voice your opinion in debates. You would voice your opinion even if you were the only one with a certain point of view.

You, Senator Banks, would voice your opinion, even if you knew that there were only a few who would support your point of view.

Most of all, you would not voice your opinion if we were all of the same view, including yourself, to give some of us a chance to speak and shine.

Senator Banks, we and I certainly will miss your courage in the chamber, in the Senate. Thank you for your leadership.