Prime Minister Stephen Harper today issued the following statement on the occasion of Dr. Noël A. Kinsella’s last day as Speaker of the Senate of Canada and to announce the appointment of the Honourable Pierre Claude Nolin as the new Speaker:

“Over the last eight years, Senator Noël Kinsella has served with distinction as Speaker of the Senate of Canada. He has presided over the Upper Chamber with aplomb and dignity, respecting the decorum of this institution and setting a tone that brought out the very best in his colleagues from all political parties.

“During his time as Speaker of the Senate, Senator Kinsella distinguished himself around the world as a human rights advocate and an academic. As an Honorary Captain in the Royal Canadian Navy’s Naval Reserve, he continued in his unfailing support of the men and women who serve, visiting the Pacific and Atlantic coast Canadian naval installations and boarding many of the ships of the Canadian fleet, including HMCS Charlottetown on patrol in the Persian Gulf.

“On behalf of all Canadians, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Senator Kinsella for his remarkable work, and for the compassion and intellect which he used to raise his office. I thank him as well for his tireless parliamentary service to Canadians and for representing New Brunswickers and Acadians so well. He will be remembered and honoured and I wish him every success in all his future endeavours.

“I am also pleased today to announce that Senator Pierre Claude Nolin has accepted to become the next Speaker of the Senate.

“Senator Nolin has represented Quebecers and Canadians in the Upper Chamber with honour for over 21 years. The wealth of experience he has gained on numerous committees, including the Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Standing Committee on National Security and Defence, and the Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce, as well as his experience as Speaker pro tempore of the Senate will no doubt allow him to excel as Speaker of the Senate of Canada. I am confident he will succeed in his new role and work to make this institution more transparent, democratic and accountable.”

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