Debates of the Senate (Hansard)

1st Session, 41st Parliament,
Volume 148, Issue 90

Wednesday, June 13, 2012
The Honourable Noël A. Kinsella, Speaker

Tributes

The Honourable Rose-Marie Losier-Cool

Hon. Mobina S. B. Jaffer: Honourable senators, I am very pleased to have this opportunity to pay tribute to our colleague and friend, Senator Losier-Cool, and to celebrate her many contributions to improving the lives of Canadians and people around the world.

I am inspired by Senator Losier-Cool’s dedication to promoting the rights and prosperity of women around the world, particularly the women she met in the course of her work with the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie.

Many senators have already spoken eloquently of the senator’s achievements and contributions. We know that she was a very active member of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie and that she became a Commander of the Ordre de la Pléiade in 2010. She also chaired the APF Network of Women Parliamentarians from 2007 to 2011.

I would like to share a story with you. In early October 2010, Senator Losier-Cool went to Lomé, the capital of Togo. The APF women’s network was holding a training seminar there for local and regional parliamentarians. During the seminar, the senator presided over the opening of a computer room within the Parliament of Togo reserved for her sisters in the Togolese legislature.

This example is emblematic of Senator Losier-Cool’s calm and determined support for women parliamentarians and shows her commitment to politics and a society that are more progressive and just.

Honourable senators, when I arrived in the Senate more than 10 years ago, Senator Losier-Cool was the first senator I met. I imagine that many of us have similar memories of our colleagues who have become our friends. She is a unique individual who made every effort to welcome us to this magnificent institution.

I could not have asked for a more welcoming, generous and sincere first friend. Your gentle manner and reassuring smile gave me the confidence and the knowledge that, by following your example, we could make a significant difference in the lives of Canadians, especially women and linguistic minorities.

Thank you very much, Senator Losier-Cool, for your service to our country and your precious friendship.