Canada’s Senate: A glimpse at the operations of the upper chamber
Carney will prioritize sector expertise in future appointments and plans to overhaul the advisory board that recommends Senate candidates.
- On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first Senate appointments, naming four new senators while announcing he is dropping the non-partisan appointment criteria established under former prime minister Justin Trudeau.
- The Prime Minister's Office said Carney is placing an "enhanced focus" on applicants with expertise in strategic industries and regulatory frameworks, while restructuring the independent advisory board created in 2016.
- Among the appointees are Carney's principal secretary Tom Pitfield and Conservative MP Richard Martel, both from Quebec, alongside Geeta Tucker from Manitoba and Rodney Ouellette from New Brunswick.
- Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre had urged Carney earlier this year to appoint more Conservatives, contrasting his position with Trudeau's previous strategy of appointing independents to reduce patronage.
- These appointments help fill eight vacancies in the 105-seat chamber, where 97 senators currently debate legislation in a body no longer divided by formal party lines.
23 Articles
23 Articles
Senate 'modernization' in the Carney era: why partisanship isn't what we need to worry about
While proponents of democracy and political equality are likely not thrilled with the prospect of a throwback to cronyism, the more concerning part of the prime minister’s plan is his intent to recruit Senators from 'key Canadian strategic industries.'
Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first appointments to the Senate on Tuesday, appointing four new senators to the upper chamber, including Tom Pitfield, Senior Secretary to Mr.Carney, and Conservative MP Richard Martel, both of whom will hold seats representing Quebec.
The Toronto Star
Canada’s Senate: A glimpse at the operations of the upper chamber
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first appointments to the Senate on Tuesday, naming four new senators to the upper chamber. They include Carney's principal secretary Tom Pitfield
Winnipeg Free Press
Canada's Senate: A glimpse at the operations of the upper chamber
OTTAWA - Prime Minister Mark Carney made his first appointments to the Senate on Tuesday, naming four new senators to the upper chamber. They include Carney's principal secretary Tom Pitfield and Conservative MP Richard Martel, who will both fill seats from Quebec.
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