Nine newly appointed non-partisan senators were appointed in hopes of polishing up the tarnished reputation of the red chamber and restore the confidence of Canadians.
Manitoba art historian Patricia Bovey is among the new independent senators announced today by Justin Trudeau. She is, among many things, a former director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and was selected for being a leader in the field of arts and culture across the country.
“I’m interested in being a senator to do my part to strengthen our country and to draw the kinds of connections we need among the various sectors cultures and as they play out with the issues that are before us as a nation,” Bovey told CTV’s Power Play. “I hope to bring the experiences I’ve had working in the arts and cultural world across this country, within communities, provincially, and nationally.”
The selection process has been long and intricate. Huguette Labelle, Chair of the prime minister’s advisory board on Senate appointments, ultimately hands the names over to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who has the final say.
There have been exactly 2,557 applications to fill the empty seats. Each application has been reviewed against a checklist of personal and professional attributes.
“You want integrity above all. You want people who are fair. You want people who can work with others. And professionally you want someone who has demonstrated leadership and who are recognized for having been outstanding in their field,” Labelle told CTV’s Power Play.
It is also important for the advisory committee that the new appointees to reflect Canada’s diversity accurately in terms of gender, sexuality, ethnicity and linguistics.
“We should have a good representation of Canadian society and therefore be in a better position to serve in the senate,” said Labelle.
The new appointees boast elite titles and blue chip credentials, but Labelle insists that every application will be given a fair shake.
“There are a number of people who are not necessarily astrophysicists or, like Patricia Bovey, who has excelled so much in her field,” said Labelle, who recommended Bovey. “But in one way or another, the people chosen will have excelled in one way or another in their field. But the breadth of professional background is very important as well.”
Choosing non-partisan candidates is Trudeau’s effort at modernizing the red chamber and putting in on the verge of being truly independent.
“I think that independence is critical, and that transparency is critical. And, I think the process honestly speaks to that transparency,” said Bovey. “I think Canadians are looking for their Senate to give a very in-depth sober second thought of the legislation that’s coming forward. I’m excited. Humbled and excited.”
The process to fill the remaining 12 vacancies in the upper house is still in progress. But according to Labelle the new appointees reflect the same level of achievements and leadership of those who are yet to be named.
“We certainly do not rank anyone chosen because people that we recommend could all be outstanding senators. So, I think it is then up to the prime minister to be able to do the balancing act so that there is the diversity that is needed,” said Labelle.
