News
2 independent senators sworn in
So far, 66 independent senators have been appointed under the new process.
A Windsor pediatrician and a Canadian Armed Forces leader took their seats in the Red Chamber on Tuesday as Canada’s newest independent senators.
- Dr. Sharon Burey fills a vacancy for Ontario.
- Rear-Admiral Rebecca Patterson fills a vacancy for Ontario.
Senator Burey has cared for Ontario’s smallest patients for more than 30 years, and was the first woman of colour to serve as the President of the Pediatricians Alliance of Ontario.
“Senator Burey’s impressive professional and personal experience, her work in the health care field, and her perspectives and passion on issues relating to diversity and inclusion are welcome additions to the Chamber,” said Senator Marc Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Patterson, a registered nurse, has held several leadership positions in the Canadian Armed Forces and served on military deployments to the Persian Gulf, Somalia and Afghanistan.
“Senator Patterson is also a founder and director of Soldiers Helping Soldiers, a volunteer organization connecting veterans who are homeless or are at risk of homelessness with services and providers who can help them,” said Senator Gold.
“We are lucky to be welcoming to our ranks someone whose life experiences will help inform us on the timely issues that are currently so relevant to our studies and deliberations.”
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, 66 independent senators have been appointed under the new process.
