Celebrating the Summer of 2024

On September 20 2024, Senator Omidvar gave a statement reflecting on her travels across Canada. Watch her speech:

Hon. Ratna Omidvar: Honourable senators, I wish to reflect on a glorious Canadian summer before it disappears. What will not disappear, though, are my lasting experiences and impressions, which I wish to share with you.

I, along with other colleagues, had a truly transformational visit to Alberta, organized by Senator Scott Tannas. I had been to Alberta before, but this time I saw it through the eyes of colleagues who love it, understand it and strive to interpret it for us in this chamber. I came away with vivid impressions of unending space, beauty and grace on the one hand but also complexity and challenges on the other.

Nothing can quite compare with the first thrilling view of Lake Louise and the charm of Banff, but the real beauty was in talking to the people, the Hutterites, the farmers who are concerned about the future of the grasslands and the oil workers in Fort McMurray who are worried about the environment. As Jasper went up in flames later, I was able to see it a little differently through their eyes.

In Calgary, Senator Tannas organized a visit to the Calgary Stampede — a double first for me, I must say, because for that occasion, I bought my very first pair of blue jeans. They’re not quite my style, I think you know, but I was rewarded amply by a number of cowboys tipping their hat to me and saying, “Howdy, ma’am,” just like in the westerns.

In Edmonton, Senator Simons, I was blown away by the enormous diversity and vibrancy of your city, and our visit to the Indigenous Peoples’ Experience centre — which is a must for everyone — left an indelible mark on me.

Thank you, Senator Sorensen, for sharing your picture-perfect Banff. Senator Simons, and, of course, Senator Tannas, a very heartfelt thanks to you and your team for an incredible visit.

But that was not the end of my wonderful summer. I went to Nova Scotia as a guest of Senator Coyle, and, of course, it is not just Nova Scotia — it is glorious, unforgettable Nova Scotia. I visited the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, which took me back in the history of our country through the lens of immigration. Then I visited tiny but perfect Antigonish, where I had a transformational chat with Tareq Hadhad, who came as a refugee and turned his kitchen into a manufacturing place and then a factory, taking his global brand Peace by Chocolate all over the world. Thank you, Senator Coyle.

So, colleagues, my summer was unforgettable. I hope yours was too.