A new independent senator for Quebec took her seat in the Red Chamber for the first time on Tuesday.

Senator Suze Youance (centre) was sworn in on October 8, 2024.

Senator Suze Youance is an engineer, who has been a lecturer and research assistant at the École de technologie supérieure de Montréal since 2008. She has also worked in radio and television, hosting programs about engineering and sustainable development.

Senator Marc Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate, welcomed her to the Red Chamber.

“I’m sure you’ve already realized that the Senate is a unique workplace, but the experience you’ve gained over the past few decades will serve you well,” he said.

“You’re  brnging an important perspective as chair of the board of directors of the Bureau de la communauté haïtienne de Montréal and a member of the board of directors of the Société d’habitation et de développement de Montréal. We’ll all benefit from the significant contribution you’ll make to our many debates in this chamber with your voice and your ideas.

I would like to take a moment to acknowledge your years of work in promoting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, not only as a professional role model for so many women and girls, but also as the President of the Scientific Council of the UNESCO Chair ‘Women and Science for Development’ in Haiti. I have no doubt that you will use your role as senator to continue to inspire countless women and girls to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics and, I hope, politics.”