A New Brunswick doctor is among the four newest members of the Canadian Senate.
Dr. Rodney Ouellette was appointed to the upper chamber July 7.
Ouellette is a doctor who has spent his career advancing cancer research.
The founder of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, his research and leadership has helped improve cancer research capacity in the region while contributing to advances in precision medicine.
Ouellette’s work bridges clinical medicine and scientific research, focusing on understanding the molecular basis of cancer and translating scientific discoveries into more precise approaches to cancer diagnosis, treatment and patient care.
The appointment was made the same day Prime Minister Mark Carney announced changes to the Senate appointment process.
In a release from the PMO, Carney said the government is expanding the criteria for new applicants to the Senate in order to attract the expertise needed to deal with challenges that will shape Canada’s future.
“Since Confederation, the Senate has been an independent pillar of our Parliament – a vital means through which Canadians from all regions of the country scrutinise, debate, and pass legislation with the goal of bettering our nation,” the prime minister said.
“Today, we are protecting the Senate and its critical role by ensuring it is comprised of the talent, expertise, and perspectives required to meet the challenges of a new era.”
With the changes, recruitment of potential senators will look more closely at candidates with enhanced focus and expertise in key Canadian strategic industries, regulatory frameworks and emerging social and economic affairs.
The government also removed the non-partisanship criterion for appointments.
According to the PMO release, this decision recognizes “the valuable contributions made by Canadians who have chosen to serve in elected office or in other partisan roles.”
To that end, two new senators for Quebec have been appointed from partisan positions.
Richard Martel served as a Conservative MP from 2018 until this appointment.
Carney also appointed Thomas Pitfield, who had been serving as the PM’s principal secretary.
Pitfield previously served as senior policy adviser to the leader of the government in the Senate.
The final appointee is Geeta Tucker, who will represent Manitoba.
Tucker is a chartered professional accountant, currently an executive consultant with the CPA Western School of Business.
She was recently the president and CEO of CPA Manitoba.
