Prime Minister Trudeau Appoints Commonwealth Alumni to the Senate of Canada
OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(March 18, 2016) The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that he will recommend the appointment of seven new Senators to the Governor General. The new, independent Senators will fill two vacancies in Manitoba, three in Ontario, and two in Quebec.
The following are the individuals who will be recommended for appointment to the Senate:
- Raymonde Gagné (Manitoba)
- Justice Murray Sinclair (Manitoba)
- V. Peter Harder (Ontario)
- Frances Lankin (Ontario)
- Ratna Omidvar (Ontario)
- Chantal Petitclerc (Quebec)
- André Pratte (Quebec)
Over the last three months, the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments undertook broad consultations in Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec - and provided the Prime Minister with a number of non-binding recommendations. From that pool of candidates, the Prime Minister selected the seven new Senators he will recommend to the Governor General.
The Prime Minister also announced today that he intends to appoint V. Peter Harder as Government Representative in the Senate. Mr. Harder will act as the Government's Representative in the Senate in order to facilitate the introduction and consideration of Government legislation, and would be sworn in as a Privy Councillor.
The new independent Senators will be expected to make a significant contribution to the work of the Senate, and to contribute to the ultimate goal that ensures a high standard of integrity, collaboration, and non-partisanship.
Quotes
"The Government is today taking further concrete steps to follow through on its commitment to reform the Senate, restore public trust, and bring an end to partisanship in the appointments process."
Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
"The Senate appointments I have announced today will help advance the important objective to transform the Senate into a less partisan and more independent institution that can perform its fundamental roles in the legislative process more effectively-including the representation of regional and minority interests-by removing the element of partisanship, and ensuring that the interests of Canadians are placed before political allegiances."
- Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES
V. Peter Harder
Mr. Harder spent 29 years in the federal public service, including an impressive 16 years as Deputy Minister, which included heading the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Solicitor General, Public Security, and the Treasury Board Secretariat. As Deputy Minister, he oversaw the legislative process of countless bills and has appeared before standing committees of the House of Commons and the Senate.
From 2003-2007, he served as Personal Representative of the Prime Minister (Sherpa) to three G8 Summits. He is an expert on Canada-China relations and was elected President of the China-Canada Business Council in 2008.
He is active in his community and is a recipient of numerous awards, including the Public Service Outstanding Achievement Award and the United Way Community Builder Award.
He chaired the United Church of Canada Foundation and the Commonwealth Games Foundation. He has provided his time to several organizations and is currently involved with the National Arts Centre, the Glenn Gould Foundation, the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, the Institute for Research on Public Policy, and the Advisory Committee on the Ukrainian Jewish Encounter. He was also the Royal Bank visiting Chair on Women and Work at Carleton University.
Chantal Petitclerc
Ms. Petitclerc is both an internationally famous athlete and a caring woman. At age 13, she lost the use of her legs in an accident. She managed to overcome adversity and numerous obstacles to become an undisputed leader in the sports world.
Her gold medals from the Paralympic, Olympic, and Commonwealth games, the numerous awards and recognition she has received, and her appointment as Chef de Mission for the Canadian team at the Rio Paralympic Games all bear witness to this triumph.
Her many achievements and her personal journey have shaped her into a leading speaker who is recognized nation-wide. She has been Défi sportif AlterGo's spokesperson for 17 years, and is the Ambassador for the international organization Right to Play.
Through her unflagging message highlighting the contribution of disabled persons to our society, she is playing a definitive role in furthering the development of a more inclusive society. Through her involvement, she is motivating those with limitations to overcome and achieve their full potential.
Through her various experiences, Chantal has also gained a good knowledge of the unique characteristics of the various communities, as well as of decision-making processes at the national level. Moreover, having a functional limitation herself, she has an excellent understanding of the needs of various minorities, and desires to get involved to make their concerns heard.
Ms. Petitclerc is a Companion of the Order of Canada and Knight of the Ordre du Québec. She was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada's athlete of the year, and was inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame. She also has four Honorary Doctorates. In addition, Chantal offers a dynamic contribution and unique expertise from her membership on a number of committees and boards.
Chantal Petitclerc
Ms. Petitclerc is both an internationally famous athlete and a caring woman. At age 13, she lost the use of her legs in an accident. She managed to overcome adversity and numerous obstacles to become an undisputed leader in the sports world.
Her gold medals from the Paralympic, Olympic, and Commonwealth games, the numerous awards and recognition she has received, and her appointment as Chef de Mission for the Canadian team at the Rio Paralympic Games all bear witness to this triumph.
Her many achievements and her personal journey have shaped her into a leading speaker who is recognized nation-wide. She has been Défi sportif AlterGo’s spokesperson for 17 years, and is the Ambassador for the international organization Right to Play.
Through her unflagging message highlighting the contribution of disabled persons to our society, she is playing a definitive role in furthering the development of a more inclusive society. Through her involvement, she is motivating those with limitations to overcome and achieve their full potential.
Through her various experiences, Chantal has also gained a good knowledge of the unique characteristics of the various communities, as well as of decision-making processes at the national level. Moreover, having a functional limitation herself, she has an excellent understanding of the needs of various minorities, and desires to get involved to make their concerns heard.
Ms. Petitclerc is a Companion of the Order of Canada and Knight of the Ordre du Québec. She was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s athlete of the year, and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. She also has four Honorary Doctorates. In addition, Chantal offers a dynamic contribution and unique expertise from her membership on a number of committees and boards.
- See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/18/biographical-notes#sthash.Wqn3bJUS.dpuf
Chantal Petitclerc
Ms. Petitclerc is both an internationally famous athlete and a caring woman. At age 13, she lost the use of her legs in an accident. She managed to overcome adversity and numerous obstacles to become an undisputed leader in the sports world.
Her gold medals from the Paralympic, Olympic, and Commonwealth games, the numerous awards and recognition she has received, and her appointment as Chef de Mission for the Canadian team at the Rio Paralympic Games all bear witness to this triumph.
Her many achievements and her personal journey have shaped her into a leading speaker who is recognized nation-wide. She has been Défi sportif AlterGo’s spokesperson for 17 years, and is the Ambassador for the international organization Right to Play.
Through her unflagging message highlighting the contribution of disabled persons to our society, she is playing a definitive role in furthering the development of a more inclusive society. Through her involvement, she is motivating those with limitations to overcome and achieve their full potential.
Through her various experiences, Chantal has also gained a good knowledge of the unique characteristics of the various communities, as well as of decision-making processes at the national level. Moreover, having a functional limitation herself, she has an excellent understanding of the needs of various minorities, and desires to get involved to make their concerns heard.
Ms. Petitclerc is a Companion of the Order of Canada and Knight of the Ordre du Québec. She was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s athlete of the year, and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. She also has four Honorary Doctorates. In addition, Chantal offers a dynamic contribution and unique expertise from her membership on a number of committees and boards.
- See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/18/biographical-notes#sthash.Wqn3bJUS.dpuf
Chantal Petitclerc
Ms. Petitclerc is both an internationally famous athlete and a caring woman. At age 13, she lost the use of her legs in an accident. She managed to overcome adversity and numerous obstacles to become an undisputed leader in the sports world.
Her gold medals from the Paralympic, Olympic, and Commonwealth games, the numerous awards and recognition she has received, and her appointment as Chef de Mission for the Canadian team at the Rio Paralympic Games all bear witness to this triumph.
Her many achievements and her personal journey have shaped her into a leading speaker who is recognized nation-wide. She has been Défi sportif AlterGo’s spokesperson for 17 years, and is the Ambassador for the international organization Right to Play.
Through her unflagging message highlighting the contribution of disabled persons to our society, she is playing a definitive role in furthering the development of a more inclusive society. Through her involvement, she is motivating those with limitations to overcome and achieve their full potential.
Through her various experiences, Chantal has also gained a good knowledge of the unique characteristics of the various communities, as well as of decision-making processes at the national level. Moreover, having a functional limitation herself, she has an excellent understanding of the needs of various minorities, and desires to get involved to make their concerns heard.
Ms. Petitclerc is a Companion of the Order of Canada and Knight of the Ordre du Québec. She was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s athlete of the year, and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. She also has four Honorary Doctorates. In addition, Chantal offers a dynamic contribution and unique expertise from her membership on a number of committees and boards.
- See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/18/biographical-notes#sthash.Wqn3bJUS.dpuf
Chantal Petitclerc
Ms. Petitclerc is both an internationally famous athlete and a caring woman. At age 13, she lost the use of her legs in an accident. She managed to overcome adversity and numerous obstacles to become an undisputed leader in the sports world.
Her gold medals from the Paralympic, Olympic, and Commonwealth games, the numerous awards and recognition she has received, and her appointment as Chef de Mission for the Canadian team at the Rio Paralympic Games all bear witness to this triumph.
Her many achievements and her personal journey have shaped her into a leading speaker who is recognized nation-wide. She has been Défi sportif AlterGo’s spokesperson for 17 years, and is the Ambassador for the international organization Right to Play.
Through her unflagging message highlighting the contribution of disabled persons to our society, she is playing a definitive role in furthering the development of a more inclusive society. Through her involvement, she is motivating those with limitations to overcome and achieve their full potential.
Through her various experiences, Chantal has also gained a good knowledge of the unique characteristics of the various communities, as well as of decision-making processes at the national level. Moreover, having a functional limitation herself, she has an excellent understanding of the needs of various minorities, and desires to get involved to make their concerns heard.
Ms. Petitclerc is a Companion of the Order of Canada and Knight of the Ordre du Québec. She was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s athlete of the year, and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. She also has four Honorary Doctorates. In addition, Chantal offers a dynamic contribution and unique expertise from her membership on a number of committees and boards.
- See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/18/biographical-notes#sthash.Wqn3bJUS.dpuf
Chantal Petitclerc
Ms. Petitclerc is both an internationally famous athlete and a caring woman. At age 13, she lost the use of her legs in an accident. She managed to overcome adversity and numerous obstacles to become an undisputed leader in the sports world.
Her gold medals from the Paralympic, Olympic, and Commonwealth games, the numerous awards and recognition she has received, and her appointment as Chef de Mission for the Canadian team at the Rio Paralympic Games all bear witness to this triumph.
Her many achievements and her personal journey have shaped her into a leading speaker who is recognized nation-wide. She has been Défi sportif AlterGo’s spokesperson for 17 years, and is the Ambassador for the international organization Right to Play.
Through her unflagging message highlighting the contribution of disabled persons to our society, she is playing a definitive role in furthering the development of a more inclusive society. Through her involvement, she is motivating those with limitations to overcome and achieve their full potential.
Through her various experiences, Chantal has also gained a good knowledge of the unique characteristics of the various communities, as well as of decision-making processes at the national level. Moreover, having a functional limitation herself, she has an excellent understanding of the needs of various minorities, and desires to get involved to make their concerns heard.
Ms. Petitclerc is a Companion of the Order of Canada and Knight of the Ordre du Québec. She was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s athlete of the year, and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. She also has four Honorary Doctorates. In addition, Chantal offers a dynamic contribution and unique expertise from her membership on a number of committees and boards.
- See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/18/biographical-notes#sthash.Wqn3bJUS.dpuf
Chantal Petitclerc
Ms. Petitclerc is both an internationally famous athlete and a caring woman. At age 13, she lost the use of her legs in an accident. She managed to overcome adversity and numerous obstacles to become an undisputed leader in the sports world.
Her gold medals from the Paralympic, Olympic, and Commonwealth games, the numerous awards and recognition she has received, and her appointment as Chef de Mission for the Canadian team at the Rio Paralympic Games all bear witness to this triumph.
Her many achievements and her personal journey have shaped her into a leading speaker who is recognized nation-wide. She has been Défi sportif AlterGo’s spokesperson for 17 years, and is the Ambassador for the international organization Right to Play.
Through her unflagging message highlighting the contribution of disabled persons to our society, she is playing a definitive role in furthering the development of a more inclusive society. Through her involvement, she is motivating those with limitations to overcome and achieve their full potential.
Through her various experiences, Chantal has also gained a good knowledge of the unique characteristics of the various communities, as well as of decision-making processes at the national level. Moreover, having a functional limitation herself, she has an excellent understanding of the needs of various minorities, and desires to get involved to make their concerns heard.
Ms. Petitclerc is a Companion of the Order of Canada and Knight of the Ordre du Québec. She was awarded the Lou Marsh Trophy as Canada’s athlete of the year, and was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. She also has four Honorary Doctorates. In addition, Chantal offers a dynamic contribution and unique expertise from her membership on a number of committees and boards.
- See more at: http://pm.gc.ca/eng/news/2016/03/18/biographical-notes#sthash.Wqn3bJUS.dpuf
