Canada’s newest independent senator for Quebec took her seat in the Red Chamber on Tuesday after a swearing in ceremony.

Senator Manuelle Oudar is a respected lawyer and advocate for justice, who has devoted her career to serving the public.

Senator Manuelle Oudar (centre,)stands outside the Red Chamber on February 27, 2024. Also pictured are senators Clément Gignac (left) and Marc Gold (right). Photo Credit: Senate Communications

Over the course of more than 30 years in the Quebec public service, she held several senior positions, including Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Labour and Assistant Deputy Minister of Networks at the Ministry of Education, Recreation and Sport.

Most recently, she served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Quebec’s labour standards board, working to protect the rights of workers, and to promote health and safety management by workplaces.

“Senator Oudar brings a breadth of experience to her new role. I look forward to working with you,” said Senator Marc Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate.

Senator Oudar was appointed on the advice of an independent advisory board with a mandate to provide merit-based recommendations for Senate appointments. So far, 81 independent senators have been appointed under the new process.