Ottawa

‘The same respect for their privacy as other Canadians’

A statement from Liberal Senator James Cowan.

My friend and colleague the Honourable Senator Joyce Fairbairn, P.C., has been the subject of considerable media attention in the past few days. Senator Fairbairn has devoted a good part of her long and distinguished public life to helping persons with disabilities.

Unfortunately, Senator Fairbairn has developed health challenges of her own, as a result of which she will be unable to take up her legislative duties when the Senate resumes sitting in late September and will go on sick leave. With the help and support of her family, friends and advisers, she is dealing with her situation and in the most appropriate manner.

Members of Parliament, like everyone else, have health issues from time to time and deserve the same respect for their privacy as other Canadians.

I am sure that I speak for all of her friends on Parliament Hill and across Canada when I wish her the very best in these trying circumstances.

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