All Senate seats filled after PM announces 5 more appointments
With just days left in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s tenure, his office has announced the appointment of five new members to the Senate, filling all vacancies in the 105-seat chamber. The appointments include former Moncton mayor Dawn Arnold for New Brunswick, former MLA Tony Ince for Nova Scotia, non-profit executive Katherine Hay, charity CEO Farah Mohamed, and former provincial politician Sandra Pupatello for Ontario.
These appointments mark the completion of Trudeau’s efforts to reform the Senate since taking office in 2015. At that time, there were 22 vacancies in the Senate, prompting the government to implement a new, non-partisan, merit-based process for appointments. Over the past seven years, Trudeau has made 100 independent appointments to the Senate, with a significant number occurring in 2024 and 2025.
As Trudeau prepares to leave federal politics, the Liberal Party of Canada is set to announce his successor on March 9. Trudeau’s legacy in the Senate will be remembered for his commitment to diversity, meritocracy, and non-partisanship in the appointment process.
The Senate plays a crucial role in Canadian politics, providing sober second thought and legislative review. With these new appointments, the Senate is well-positioned to continue its important work in upholding democracy and serving the interests of Canadians.
About the author:
Catherine Morrison is a reporter for The Canadian Press, covering politics and government affairs. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Catherine brings a wealth of experience to her reporting.
In conclusion, Trudeau’s final Senate appointments represent a milestone in his efforts to reform the upper chamber. The incoming members bring a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, ensuring that the Senate remains a vital institution in Canadian democracy.
