The Progressives

The Canadian Tulip Festival is in full bloom until May 18! 🌷 From late April through May, nearly one million tulips bloom across the National Capital Region – including right outside the Senate’s temporary home, Ottawa’s former central train station. Take a stroll to enjoy the beautiful floral displays maintained by @NCC_CCN and admire the stunning architecture of the Senate of Canada Building. #SenCA #CdnTulipFest

Senator Duncan Wilson recently spoke in #SenCA in support of Senator Klyne's Bill S-239, the Canadian Prosperity Act. Read/watch his second reading speech here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

In case you missed it, Senator @RodgerCuzner recently delivered a statement in #SenCA about sport in Canada. Read/watch what he said: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

Last week, Senator @daniele_henkel delivered a statement about Geneviève Mottard, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Quebec Order of Chartered Professional Accountants, who was present in the #SenCA gallery. Read/watch her tribute here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

Three reasons to support internal trade in Canada: LOWER PRICES, LOWER PRICES, LOWER PRICES. Thanks Sen. Peter Harder for a great speech backing Bill S-239, a mandate for @CompBureau to promote internal trade. Watch here: tinyurl.com/4ykst7n4 🇨🇦🍁 #cdnpoli #SenCA

Avec mon coprésident, le député Michael Coteau, ainsi que des membres de l’Association parlementaire Canada–Afrique, nous avons eu aujourd’hui un échange stratégique avec Son Excellence Wamkele Mene, secrétaire général de la Zone de libre-échange continentale africaine, en visite officielle au Canada à l’invitation de l’honorable Anita Anand, ministre des Affaires étrangères. Nos discussions ont permis de mettre en perspective le rôle structurant de la ZLECAf dans l’intégration économique du continent africain, tout en soulignant les complémentarités avec la Stratégie Afrique du gouvernement du Canada. Elles ont également fait ressortir les perspectives prometteuses qu’offre cette dynamique pour les entreprises canadiennes souhaitant s’inscrire dans un marché africain en pleine transformation. ⸻ With my co-chair, MP Michael Coteau, and members of the Canada–Africa Parliamentary Association, we had a strategic discussion today with His Excellency Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area, who is on an official visit to Canada at the invitation of the Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Our discussions highlighted the structuring role of the AfCFTA in advancing Africa’s economic integration, while underscoring its alignment with the Government of Canada’s Africa Strategy. They also highlighted the promising opportunities this initiative offers to Canadian businesses seeking to engage with a rapidly integrating African market.

Le français suit Another milestone reached! Conservative MP from Saskatchewan, Rosemary Falk, has introduced Bill S-209 at first reading in the House of Commons,     seeking to protect minors from exposure to online pornography. Thank you for accepting this challenge! Une autre étape de franchie ! La députée conservatrice de la Saskatchewan, Rosemary Falk, a déposé en première lecture à la Chambre des communes le projet de loi S-209, visant à protéger les mineurs de l’exposition à la pornographie en ligne. Merci d’avoir accepté ce défi ! S209.ca @Prog_Senate @SenateCA @OurCommons @rosemarie_falk

Congratulations to the Hon. Louise Arbour, our new Governor General. Thank you to the Right Hon. Mary Simon for her service. Félicitations à l’hon. Louise Arbour pour sa nomination à titre de nouvelle gouverneure générale. Merci à la très hon. Mary Simon pour son service. 🇨🇦🍁

Internal trade is essential for Canadians' prosperity, including LOWER PRICES. Thanks Sen. Duncan Wilson for supporting Bill S-239, a mandate for @CompBureau to promote internal trade, with accountability from regulators. 🇨🇦 #cdnpoli #SenCA

Mes collègues et moi avons eu l’honneur d’accueillir aujourd’hui au Sénat Sa Majesté Djampou Tchatchouang Anick Julio, Roi des Bangoua (Cameroun). Cette visite a permis de mettre en lumière le rôle essentiel des autorités traditionnelles dans la cohésion sociale, la gouvernance locale et la transmission des valeurs culturelles. ---- My colleagues and I had the honour of welcoming to the Senate today His Majesty Djampou Tchatchouang Anick Julio, King of the Bangoua (Cameroon). This visit helped highlight the essential role of traditional authorities in social cohesion, local governance, and the transmission of cultural values.

Last week in #SenCA, senators paid tribute to the Honourable Larry Smith, who has now retired from the Senate as he celebrates his 75th birthday today. Read/watch what Senator Peter Harder said on behalf of the Progressive Senate Group: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/… @SenLWSmith

Première comparution aujourd’hui de la nouvelle Commissaire aux langues officielles, Kelly Burke, devant le Comité sénatorial permanent des langues officielles, dans le cadre de l’étude d’un projet de règlement sur l’égalité de statut et d’usage du français et de l’anglais. Je la félicite pour cette première présence et lui souhaite plein succès dans ses fonctions, au service du bilinguisme canadien. …. First appearance today by the new Commissioner of Official Languages, Kelly Burke, before the Standing Senate Committee on Official Languages, as part of its study of draft regulations on the equal status and use of French and English. I congratulate her on this first appearance and wish her every success in her role, in service of Canada’s bilingualism. #Canada #Senca

In case you missed it, Senator @kristopherwells - #SenCA sponsor - recently launched debate at second reading of Bill C-9, Combatting Hate Act. Read/watch his speech here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/… #cdnpoli

Ce fut un honneur de rencontrer le professeur Achille Mbembe, figure majeure de la pensée critique contemporaine et voix influente de la diaspora africaine. Des échanges riches et stimulants sur le rôle du Canada sur la scène mondiale et la contribution stratégique des diasporas. Merci à Caroline Ford et Sydney Leclerq du Centre de recherches pour le développement international (CRDI), pour avoir facilité cette rencontre. …. It was an honor to meet Professor Achille Mbembe, a leading figure in contemporary critical thought and an influential voice of the African diaspora. Rich and stimulating exchanges on Canada’s role on the global stage and the strategic contribution of diasporas. Many thanks to Caroline Ford and Sydney Leclerq of the International Development Research Centre for facilitating this meeting.

On #EarthDay, I’m inspired by the Indigenous concept of "All Our Relations": all life is interconnected and interdependent. We must be responsible stewards and protect the miracle of nature. 🌎🌳🦬🐺🐢🐟🦅 #SenCA

Rencontre stratégique historique à Ottawa avec le Président de la Banque africaine de développement, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah.@sidi432085 Des échanges de haut niveau sur le financement du développement et les opportunités d’investissement en Afrique, ainsi que sur les priorités communes Canada–Afrique : commerce, gouvernance, action climatique. Nous avons également souligné le rôle déterminant de l’entrepreneuriat féminin et le développement de chaînes de valeur robustes, comme moteurs d’une croissance inclusive et durable. Un engagement commun en faveur d’un partenariat renforcé, structurant et mutuellement bénéfique. — Historic strategic meeting in Ottawa with the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Sidi Ould Tah. High-level discussions on development finance and investment opportunities in Africa, as well as shared Canada–Africa priorities: trade, governance and climate action. We also underscored the critical role of women’s entrepreneurship and value chain development as drivers of inclusive and sustainable growth. A shared commitment to a stronger, structured, and mutually beneficial partnership. #CAAF #Senca

Recently Senator Judy White participated in debate in #SenCA on an inquiry, initiated by Senator @TonyLoffreda about the vital role of immigrants. Read/watch her speech here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

During Ministerial Question Period in #SenCA with the Minister of Health, Senator @amigerba also asked about sickle cell disease. Read/watch that exchange here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

During Ministerial Question Period in #SenCA with the Minister of Health, Senator @amigerba asked about Black women's health. Read/watch that exchange here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

TODAY: The Senate Committee on Human Rights will hold a press conference, following the release of its report on antisemitism in Canada. #SenCA #RIDR #Antisemitism #CdnPoli @PauletteSenior1 @SenatorHousakos @KristopherWells