The newest senator for Nova Scotia – an experienced parliamentarian and diplomat – took his seat in the Red Chamber following a swearing in ceremony on Tuesday.

Senator Rodger Cuzner most recently represented Canada as Consul General in Boston. He previously served as an MP for Nova Scotia for nearly 20 years.

Senator Marc Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate, welcomed Senator Cuzner to the Red Chamber on November 7.

“Without putting too much pressure on him, I would like to point out that Senator Cuzner was twice voted ‘most collegial Member of Parliament’ by his colleagues. I hope that his good nature is contagious and rubs off on us as we approach the busy season,” he said.

“Senator Cuzner, I know that your experience as a parliamentarian and advocate for your region are welcome additions to the Senate of Canada.”

Senator Cuzner was appointed last week along with four other senators who have yet to be sworn in:

• Joan Kingston represents New Brunswick
• John McNair represents New Brunswick
• Krista Ross represents New Brunswick
• Réjean Aucoin represents Nova Scotia

The new senators were appointed on the recommendation of an independent advisory board with a mandate to provide merit-based recommendations for Senate appointments. So far, 75 independent senators have been appointed under the new process.

Senator Marc Gold (left) with senators Rodger Cuzner and Hassan Yussuff on November 7, 2023.