SEEKING RESPECT FOR THE SENATE
Speaker Pierre Claude Nolin has firm ideas
After a year as deputy speaker, Sen. Pierre Claude Nolin officially became Speaker of the Senate on Thursday. In an interview in his East Block office, Nolin talked to the Citizen’s Jordan Press about what he wants to change in the Senate, and the rare cancer he has battled for four years.
Q What does it mean to you to be Speaker of the Senate?
A I have responsibility for my colleagues. In the Senate, we’re peers — we’re equals. It’s important I earn their respect and there is no way I’m going to cheat that.
Q: Former Speaker Noël Kinsella recently became the public voice of the Senate, speaking for all senators on certain matters. Do you plan to carry on that role?
A The Speaker speaks for the institution and that’s long overdue. After 148 years, we’ve left the institution drifting. We have a very good history. Probably because of the nature of the institution it was done (quietly). We are paying for that. I have ideas to reach out to Canadians.
Q: Any examples?
A A speakers’ bureau — in both senses of it. We need to promote the institution ( by) proactively offering colleges, schools, universities, social clubs, any kind of organization, senators who want to explain the institution, what’s happening in the Senate. The first paragraph of the (Supreme Court) decision is: “the Senate is a fundamental institution of Canada.” What does that mean? Next Thursday, I’m going to meet with new employees of the Senate and I am sure 95 per cent won’t have a clue of what it means because they don’t know the history.
Q: Let’s talk about your personal history. When did you first become interested in politics?
A In 1966. My dad was involved in provincial politics in Quebec and there was a byelection. I was 16. I just got my driver’s licence and my dad asked me, “Do you want to drive? We need drivers today. It’s election day.” So I said, “Of course.” (laughs) That’s how I got involved.
Q: Describe when (then-prime minister) Brian Mulroney appointed you to the Senate.
A It was a Friday morning. I was in Montreal. We spoke and he said, “At three o’clock I’m appointing to the Senate.” That was June 18, 1993. My question was, “Why me?” (Laughs). He said, “That’s none of your business.”
Q: Were you surprised when Prime Minister Stephen Harper talked to you about the Senate speakership, given you and he don’t always agree on policy?
A Even though in some policy areas we don’t agree, we respect each other. It’s important to earn the respect of the leader of your government. If you don’t have that, there’s no point. I had the warning that he wants to speak about the speakership of the Senate — and, of course, I was happy.
Q: You continue treatments for cancer. When were you diagnosed?
A August, 2010.
Q: What was it like when you suddenly became a patient?
A Like a hammer in your face. Illness is not part of reality until the doctor tells you, “Here’s the prognosis. How you want to play it?”
Q: What kind of cancer is it?
A A rare cancer. It’s right at the entrance of the pancreas.
Q: What has your treatment been like?
A I went to see an expert in Montreal and he said, let’s start with surgery. We’re going to hope for the best — the best being onethird will survive after five years. I was ready for one per cent. It lasted for three years.
In December 2012, the pain was quite aggressive. We lost the first round. Surgery wasn’t enough; now to oncology — chemo — and (the doctor) said, “I don’t want to be pessimistic, but you probably have between four months and 12 months, so whatever you have postponed, why don’t you start doing it right away?” That was a shock. I had anticipated that, but not as fast as that.
I had three types of chemo. And I have good news: The tumour has gotten smaller. Recently, I ( became) part of a research program at the University of Montreal. I have three times a day a potion made of pure organic oil and stuff like that. I have nothing to lose. I think it works, but like I told the prime minister, “Give me a good fight — I’ll stay alive.”
Q: Are you afraid of dying?
A We’re all going to die. I’m not afraid of that.
Q: You were forceful in your beliefs that senators Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau should be suspended. Why?
A The only way you earn the authority of being a Parliament is if you take care of your own business and you discipline yourself and your colleagues.
Q: The auditor general’s report on the Senate will be out next year. What more still needs to be done?
A Internally, there’s a lot we have to do proactively before the auditor general’s report comes out. After that, responding to his recommendation. I’m sure his understanding of the role of senators is not exactly what it should be. It’s a problem because it’s our responsibility to explain what role we have to play and what we offer Canadians.
Q: What do you ultimately want to achieve in your time as Speaker?
A Over a short period of time, I want the Senate to be respected. If I’m able to be part of that, I will have achieved a lot.