Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard

Fifty years of love, joy, laughter, support and unwavering partnership—how do I even try to find the words to describe such a loss? Through a peaceful spiritually grounded transition, his last gift to us is a reason to be joyful in the midst of our sorrow.

Yesterday in #SenCA Question Period,@SenatorWanda highlighted Transgender Day of Remembrance, asking what concrete actions are being taken to protect transgender Canadians, 2 years into the Federal 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan. Read/watch the full exchange here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

A very sad day and a time to reflect on the wisdom and kindness that the Hon. Murray Sinclair shared with us. Heartfelt condolences to his family. Grateful for the higher path that he taught all of us to walk together.

A look back at a highly fruitful Canada-African Union dialogue. This high-level meeting marked a decisive turning point in the implementation of the Canada-Africa partnership strategy. Here's an overview of the key initiatives and their importance. 1. The Canadian government has announced that trade and investment will be at the heart of its new approach to Africa. This is crucial to strengthening economic cooperation, stimulating growth, creating jobs and promoting win-win partnerships. 2. The dialogue focused on the role of the African diaspora. This is essential, as this important community acts as a cultural and economic bridge between Canada and Africa. 3. Canada has emphasized support for education and vocational training in Africa. This is a strategic priority, as it strengthens human capital, prepares younger generations for skilled jobs and improves Africa's competitiveness, while opening up prospects for Canada-Africa academic cooperation. 4. Canada has announced the appointment of two special envoys to strengthen its relations with Africa. This decision is crucial to establishing more effective channels of communication, fostering political dialogue and paving the way for strategic partnerships on priority issues. 5. Creation of a Canadian Trade and Investment Centre for Africa. This center will facilitate trade, support Canadian companies seeking to invest on the continent, and stimulate economic cooperation. A real lever for shared prosperity. 6. Increased diplomatic presence with new embassies in Benin and Zambia, bringing the total to 30 embassies in 54 countries. This expanded presence will facilitate support for Canadian citizens, strengthen economic diplomacy and enable closer monitoring of local and regional issues. Together, these initiatives open up new prospects for a strong, lasting and mutually beneficial partnership. Now it's a matter of attaching a solid strategy, combined with substantial financial resources👌 @melaniejoly @mary_ng @KayabagaArielle @Marc_Ben @cheryl_urban @Rob_Oliphant @AUC_MoussaFaki @_AfricanUnion @CanadianPM #CanadaAfrica

Throughout her 24 years in the Senate, @senatorcordy became known as a compassionate listener and a strong leader. As she retires, learn more about her career from the classroom to the Red Chamber: ow.ly/yf9K50U98Yz #SenCA #CdnPoli #NSPoli #NovaScotia

Senator Tracy Muggli’s achievements prior to her appointment certainly highlight her commitment to public service, social justice, and community. Independent members of @Prog_Senate look forward to working with her. Welcome to the PSG! #SenCA #cdnpoli @tracymuggli

On Remembrance Day, we remember the courageous men of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. Their legacy lives on, reminding us of the power of unity, honor, and resilience. Lest we forget. 🌹✊🏽🇨🇦

In paying tribute to @SenatorCordy, @SenatorWanda spoke about her "capacity to teach and lead by example" as well as her "deep compassion". Read/watch her full tribute here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

Yesterday in #SenCA, @SenatorWanda spoke about Emancipation Day 2024, when she welcomed @SenMoodie, @SenatorClement and Senator @amigerba to her home province of Nova Scotia. Read/watch her statement here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

Welcome to @SenateCA, Senator Pierre Moreau! We look forward to working with you. My welcoming remarks: #cdnpoli #SenCA

Yesterday in #SenCA, @SenatorWanda paid tribute to the late Eliza Brooks, beloved matriarch of the community of East Preston and all African Nova Scotians. Read/watch her statement here: theprogressives.ca/in-the-senate/…

On behalf of the Progressive Senate Group, @SenatorWanda welcomed fellow social worker Senator Tracy Muggli to #SenCA. What a wonderful way to celebrate your birthday, Senator @tracymuggli!

Cet après-midi, j’ai eu l’honneur de présider la cérémonie d’assermentation de l’honorable sénatrice Tracy Muggli. Bienvenue au Sénat! 🇨🇦 This afternoon, I had the honour of presiding over the swearing-in ceremony of the Honourable Senator Tracy Muggli. Welcome to the Senate!

The Independent Progressive Senators @Prog_Senate welcome the arrival of another social worker, Tracy Muggli. @SenatorWanda and all of us look forward to working with you! Soyez la bienvenue et au plaisir de travailler avec vous! @Prog_Senat

The violence that cast a shadow on this year’s Family Reunion in Africville broke all our hearts. This past week I’ve reached out to community leaders to express my deep sympathy. My thoughts are with this young woman, those injured, and the broader community who suffered from this trauma. Africville’s legacy of strength, unity, and resilience is a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of their community. My wish is that for years to come the community continues to gather every summer to celebrate the legacy of those who came before, free from threats of violence.

@WendyMackey So proud of the work you are doing @stfxuniversity DR @WendyMackey 💕🙌🏾

Thank you @SenatorWanda for speaking wisdom into the "why" of my work. ❤️❤️❤️

Earlier today, I made a statement in the @SenateCA to mark #BearWitnessDay: youtu.be/QMGfnjBcSAs. Tomorrow I will join the @CaringSociety and others across the country to honour the late #JordanRiverAnderson and call for the full and proper implementation of #JordansPrinciple.

It was humbling to speak about a disease that impacts most of us. Thanks to @cancer society for continuing to raise awareness and $ for essential research:

Senators gathered outside the Red Chamber for Daffodil Month, in support of the fight against cancer. / Les sénateurs se rassemblent près de la Chambre Rouge pour le mois de la jonquille, en soutien à la lutte contre le cancer. #SenCA

Progressive senators wore red today in honour of the upcoming Red Dress Day, the National Day for Awareness of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which takes place on May 5 #SenCA #cdnpoli #RedDressDay