Senator Denise Batters issued a statement: “It is ironic that Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole (Durham, Ont.) is expelling me from our National Conservative Caucus for asking him to adhere to the principles and policies our Conservative Party members have approved,” she said. “Several weeks ago, my fellow Conservative Senate Caucus colleague levelled similar complaints against O’Toole, even … Read more
PSG Senator Brian Francis from Prince Edward Island and 46 other senators issued a statement calling on the federal government to match the Prince Edward Island government’s commitment to implement a full-scale guaranteed livable basic income (GLBI). “Collaboration between the federal and PEI governments would allow PEI to demonstrate how GLBI could both address poverty and promote the resilience of local economies,” reads the … Read more
The Steering Committee of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration has announced mandatory vaccination for all Senate staff, effective Monday, Nov. 22, 2021. Call 613-410-1892.
Speaker of the Senate George J. Furey issued a statement: “In consultation with the leaders and facilitators of all recognized parties and parliamentary groups, effective Nov. 22, 2021, all senators must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to participate in Senate proceedings in person. Those who have a medical exemption will have the option of providing proof of a recent negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test result.” Call 613-995-2891.
Senator Marilou McPhedran announced that she is leaving the Independent Senator’s Group, effective immediately. “I look forward to collaborating with senators of all groups and caucuses on legislation, issues, and policies that further the public interest, such as democratic reforms to lower the national voting age to 16 years, and with a particular emphasis on … Read more
The Prosperity Action Group of the Canadian Senate, a working group of senators, released a new report entitled Rising to the Challenge of New Global Realities: Forging a New Path for Sustainable, Inclusive and Shared Prosperity in Canada. The report details a three-part approach towards achieving prosperity; the development of a national economic growth strategy that capitalizes on … Read more
ISG Senator Kim Pate issued a statement: “Millions of people below the poverty line are still left behind by Canada’s economic and social policies. Canadians want and deserve to know if and how candidates and leaders plan to redress inequalities,” she said. “We want to know if they are considering approaches to poverty that could not only … Read more
CSG Senator Doug Black has decided to retire from the Senate effective Oct. 31, 2021. Black was elected by Albertans as a senator-in-Waiting in 2012 and was subsequently appointed to the Senate in 2013. “I have always supported term limits for senators’ service,” he said. “After almost a decade of public service, I believe it is timely to make room for a new voice for Alberta.” Alberta will hold elections in October … Read more
Speaker of the Senate, George J. Furey, issued the following statement: “It is with great sadness that I learned of the passing of our friend and colleague, the Honourable Judith Keating, Q.C. Senator Keating, an accomplished legal and constitutional expert, represented the province of New Brunswick in the Senate since her appointment on January 31, … Read more
The Senate’s Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight held its first session since the appointment of external members Hélène F. Fortin and Robert Plamondon. The inclusion of non-parliamentarians on a Standing Committee is historic on many levels. They joined four senators charged with launching the committee’s work: Chair David Wells, Deputy Chair Renée Dupuis and senators Percy E. Downe and … Read more
