CANADA (Commonwealth Union)_ The former head of Canada’s public service and a well-known surgeon have both been appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the Senate.
In a statement released on Monday, PM Trudeau said: “I am thrilled to welcome Flordeliz Osler and Ian Shugart as Parliament’s newest independent senators.” The Prime Minister added: “I am certain that their commitment, distinctive viewpoints, and illustrious careers will enable them to best serve Canadians from all walks of life.”.
Osler, a former president of the Canadian Medical Association, is an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba. She was born in Winnipeg to parents who emigrated to Canada from the Philippines and India. She collaborates with racialized medical students through the Filipino Association of Medical Students in Manitoba and by helping to train surgeons in Africa. As the CMA’s first female visible minority leader, she seized the opportunity to draft the organization’s first equality and diversity policy.
Shugart formerly held the position of Privy Council Clerk. The clerk, who holds the position of deputy minister to the Prime Minister and Secretary to Cabinet, is the highest-ranking federal civil officer in Canada. On the same day that PM Trudeau appointed Shugart to the privy council, the announcement was made. According to the Prime Minister, Shugart has provided Canadians with vital leadership and wisdom for more than 40 years.
“In order to celebrate his contributions and dedication to making Canada a better place for everyone, I’m happy to name him as Canada’s newest privy councillor.”
PM Trudeau selected Osler and Shugart after the independent government advisory panel for Senate appointments recommended them to him. The Prime Minister will have selected 62 independent senators via the advisory board procedure after appointing Osler and Shugart.
The 105-seat upper house currently has 15 open seats instead of 17, as a result of these appointments.
