In Closing

(by the Honourable Peter deC. Cory)

I would like to take this opportunity to say a word about Joanne Weeks, who stepped down recently as Executive Director of the Commissioner's office. She had directed the day-to-day business of the office since the appointment of the first Commissioner, the Honourable Claude Bisson, in 1996. Joanne oversaw an important evolution of the office when a legislative framework was provided for both the Commissioner's office and CSEC in the omnibus Anti-terrorism Act, following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. For the relatively short time that I worked with Joanne, I came to appreciate her clear devotion to public service and saw her as a generous, warm-hearted individual. Joanne knew the important role that review plays and strove to ensure that she had the most capable staff to carry out the work. As her retirement approaches, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and thanks to Joanne for her dedication, not just to the Office of the CSE Commissioner but, more importantly, to Canada. Her work provides an outstanding example to all in the public service.