A public policy expert and a scholar of Cree ancestry took their seats in the Red Chamber this week as Canada’s newest independent senators.

• Andrew Cardozo fills a vacancy for Ontario.
• Dr. Margo Greenwood fills a vacancy for British Columbia.

Senator Cardozo – a founder of the Pearson Centre for Progressive Policy and regular columnist in various newspapers – was sworn in on November 29.

“Senator Cardozo’s focus has been on multiculturalism, anti-racism, diversity and equity, broadcasting and cultural policy, and skills development – especially and most recently the future of work. His knowledge and experience in all of these areas will be a welcome addition to this chamber,” said Senator Marc Gold, the Government Representative in the Senate.

Senator Greenwood – who has devoted much her career to the health and well-being of Indigenous children, families and communities – was sworn in on December 1.

“Senator Greenwood was a professor in the education program at the University of Northern British Columbia, where her research included the systemic and structural impacts on the development of early childhood programs and services in Canada, and the social determinants of health, with particular emphasis on colonization and children’s rights,” said Senator Gold.

“Her list of accomplishments is lengthy and her expertise has informed governmental policy and legislation. She has served on more than 75 national and provincial committees.”

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, including two new senators who have yet to be sworn in.

• Dr. Sharon Burey fills a vacancy for Ontario.
• Rear-Admiral Rebecca Patterson fills a vacancy for Ontario.