September 26, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General appointed Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler and Ian Shugart as independent Senators to fill vacancies for Manitoba and Ontario.
Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler is an internationally renowned surgeon who operates in Winnipeg, an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba, and a dedicated advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion. She was the first woman surgeon and the first racialized woman elected President of the Canadian Medical Association. Dr. Osler is known for her active involvement within and dedication to the medical community in Canada and abroad. She is also the recipient of numerous honours and awards.
Ian Shugart devoted his life to public service and held increasingly senior leadership positions within the federal public service, most recently as the 24th Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet. He served as the principal link between the Prime Minister and the public service of Canada, including by delivering critical and timely support to Canadians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout his career, Mr. Shugart also shaped the modernization of public health, provided leadership on international climate change negotiations, and managed sensitive national security issues and key international relationships.
Dr. Osler and Mr. Shugart were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, and chosen using a merit-based process open to all Canadians. This process ensures Senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.
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“I am pleased to welcome Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler and Ian Shugart as Parliament’s newest independent Senators. I am confident that their dedication, unique perspectives, and stellar careers will help them best serve Canadians from all walks of life. I look forward to working with them, and all Senators, as we continue to make life more affordable, take climate action, and make life better for people.”
Quick Facts
- The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country. Created to counterbalance representation by population in the House of Commons, the Senate not only defends regional interests, it also creates space for the voices of historically underrepresented groups like Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, and women.
- With today’s announcement, there have been 62 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
- Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, Senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- In 2016, the selection process for Senators was opened to all Canadians. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides recommendations to the Prime Minister.
- The Board is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates.
- Once appointed by the Governor General, new Senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.
Biographical Notes
Associated Links
- Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments
- Senate Appointments Process – Questions and Answers
- Senate of Canada
September 25, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was joined by ministers and senior officials for a second meeting of the Incident Response Group to discuss the impacts of Hurricane Fiona, which is affecting hundreds of thousands of people across Atlantic Canada and Eastern Quebec.
During the meeting, the group expressed concern over the devastating impacts of the hurricane. Despite efforts over the last 24 hours, thousands of Canadians remain without power, and many people in the most affected regions have lost homes and have been displaced due to flooding, extremely high winds, and storm surges. They also spoke of the hurricane’s significant impact on the local fishing industry.
Officials briefed the group on the trajectory of the storm, which continues to weaken as it moves northward, noting that improving conditions should facilitate work to assess damage and initiate cleanup efforts. The Prime Minister and ministers acknowledged the modelling work of the Canadian Hurricane Centre, which helped provincial and municipal officials and Canadians prepare for and mitigate potential impacts of the storm.
Ministers and senior officials provided an update on ongoing efforts across the federal government to engage with provincial counterparts, municipal partners, and local First Nations communities to provide support in areas affected by the hurricane. They also recognized the tireless work of first responders and emergency relief organizations, including the Canadian Red Cross, in providing support to impacted communities.
The group was briefed on the work of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members, who have been deployed in Nova Scotia in response to a request by the province, to help assess the hurricane’s impacts, remove debris, and restore transportation routes. Officials also noted that Transport Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program is currently conducting reconnaissance over affected areas and providing data to support restoration efforts. The group noted the approval of Prince Edward Island’s request for assistance and potential requirements for assistance in Newfoundland and Labrador – a request from Newfoundland and Labrador has since been received and approved. CAF members and other federal personnel and equipment, including the Canadian Coast Guard, Royal Canadian Navy, and Royal Canadian Air Force, have been mobilized and are ready to help in affected areas.
The Prime Minister and ministers discussed the severe damage from the hurricane to power and telecommunications infrastructure, and the ongoing work within provinces to restore these services. Ministers and officials continue to engage with their provincial counterparts and with industry and utility representatives to ensure that all necessary support is available and that services can be restored as quickly as possible.
Recognizing the longer-term economic impact of the storm, the group spoke of the federal financial assistance available to impacted provinces through the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements to help with response and recovery costs. The group also discussed how the Canadian Red Cross and matching federal funds will be available to address more immediate requirements for support for affected Canadians and their families.
The Prime Minister reiterated that the federal government stands ready to provide support to impacted provinces during this difficult time. He asked ministers and senior officials to continue working closely with provincial and local governments, affected First Nations communities, and emergency response organizations to respond to the needs of impacted people and communities. The Prime Minister urged Canadians to stay safe by following the advice from their local authorities and committed to visiting impacted areas as soon as it is possible and responsible to do so.
Associated Links
September 26, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on Navratri:
“Tonight, Hindu communities in Canada and around the world will come together and celebrate the beginning of Navratri.
“Celebrated over nine nights and 10 days, Navratri honours the triumph of good over evil by the goddess Durga. Often regarded as a celebration of women’s empowerment, Navratri is one of the most important festivals in the Hindu faith. To mark this special occasion, family and friends will come together to pray, dance, and observe various traditions passed down from generation to generation.
“On Navratri, I invite all Canadians to learn more about Canada’s vibrant Hindu community and recognize its many important contributions to our country’s social, cultural, and economic fabric. Diversity is one of Canada’s greatest strengths and has helped us build a better, fairer, and more inclusive country for everyone.
“On behalf of the Government of Canada, Sophie and I extend our best wishes to everyone celebrating Navratri.”
The Prime Minister announces appointment of Ian Shugart as Privy Councillor
September 26, 2022
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced the appointment of Ian Shugart as Canada’s newest Privy Councillor.
An exceptional public service leader, Mr. Shugart is being honoured for his outstanding and dedicated service to Canadians. His career in service to Canadians spans over four decades, during which he held many leadership positions, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Deputy Minister of Employment and Social Development, and Deputy Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
From 2019 to 2022, Mr. Shugart was the 24th Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet. In this role, he led the federal public service’s response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, providing direct support to Canadians and Canadian businesses when they needed it most.
Mr. Shugart retired from the public service on May 27, 2022.
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“For over 40 years, Ian Shugart’s advice and leadership in service of Canadians have been invaluable. I am pleased to appoint him as Canada’s newest Privy Councillor to recognize his contributions and dedication to making Canada a better place for everyone.”
Quick Facts
- Privy Councillors are members of the King’s Privy Council for Canada, established under the Constitution Act, 1867 to advise the Governor General.
- The Privy Council includes all past and present ministers, as well as a number of select persons honoured for their contributions to Canada.
- Members are appointed by the Governor General, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister.
