Late Honourable Doug Finley
Honourable senators, although I know many here will be speaking about Senator Finley today, I wanted to pay my respects to him, too.
I will never forget the day I met Doug. I had a meeting scheduled with the party’s national campaign director, whom I had never met. As I walked into the reception area and into the elevator, I barely noticed the man behind me. I had no idea that the man who held the door open for me was the man I was supposed to meet.
As soon as Doug started speaking and I heard his Scottish accent, I knew I had met a kindred spirit. Anyone who knows history knows of the affinity between the Scots and the Pukhtuns. Beneath his gruff, Scottish exterior, I knew there was a gentle, like-minded soul.
Little did I know that that meeting with Doug would change my life. If it were not for him, I would not be where I am today. He saw something in me that I did not see in myself.
During his memorial in Port Dover, I realized he was known for having this talent; Doug had a natural ability to recognize potential in others. He took a chance on me in the party, and for that I will be forever grateful. That is why, when I was called into the Senate, I chose Doug to walk beside me.
Farewell, Doug, and rest in peace, my dear friend.