February 14, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, appointed Danièle Henkel as an independent senator to fill a vacancy in the Senate for Quebec.
Danièle Henkel is a businesswoman, strategic advisor, mentor, coach, speaker, and respected author with more than 30 years of expertise. She is the founder of Entreprises Danièle Henkel Inc., Académie Danièle Henkel, and the Henkel Média digital platform, which provides tools for the entrepreneurial community. She has shared her expertise with numerous organizations to advance causes close to her heart, including the fight against cancer, and has received various awards and recognitions.
This new senator was recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using a merit-based process open to all Canadians. Introduced in 2016, this process ensures senators are independent and able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.
Quote
“I congratulate Ms. Henkel on her appointment as Parliament’s newest independent senator. Her experience and expertise will be of great benefit to the Senate. I am confident that she will serve Quebecers and all Canadians well in her new role.”
— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick Facts
- The Senate is the Upper House of Canada’s parliamentary democracy.
- Candidate submissions were reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provided recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Board is guided in its work by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates for the Senate.
- With today’s announcement, there have been 94 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. All of them were recommended by the Board.
- Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- Once appointed by the Governor General, new senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial and territorial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.
Biographical Note
Associated Links
February 15, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on National Flag of Canada Day:
“Sixty years ago today, the Canadian flag was raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. From First Nations who used the maple tree for its sweet sap and wood to its sightings on helmets and coins in the 19th century and for generations ever since – the maple leaf has long been an emblem of Canadian identity and unity.
“The maple leaf has stood centre-stage throughout Canadian history. It has been emblazoned on the uniforms of our Armed Forces members – from the beaches of Normandy to the battlefields of Afghanistan. It has flown over buildings and courthouses, at schools and libraries, and at diplomatic missions around the world. It has been adorned by backpackers and hoisted on top of Olympic podiums. It has been launched into space and carried to the highest point on Earth. It is carved on the headstones of the service men and women who gave their lives for our country, and it is draped over them when they are laid to rest.
“The flag symbolizes Canada’s breathtaking beauty – the white of winter snow and the red of autumn maple leaves. It exemplifies our dreams and sacrifices; our hard work and our unyielding ambition to grow. It is an invocation of pride for Canadians who have hailed from every corner of the globe to forge a nation with a unique identity worth embracing and celebrating. And it is an inspiration to those who come to our shores seeking a brighter tomorrow.
“It has been the honour and privilege of my life to serve Canadians under this flag. Over these past nine years, I have seen Canadian excellence on every street corner that I have visited. At every embassy and Armed Forces base. At every small business and hockey arena. Reflecting on the past few weeks, I have never been more optimistic about the future of our country. Canadians are unflinchingly resilient. Our love for our country is unwavering. And while we are kind and generous, we will never be pushed around. When our backs are up against the wall, we will always stand for Canada and choose Canada. We are a proud, sovereign, and independent country – and we always will be.
“On this National Flag of Canada Day, I invite Team Canada – all 41-million strong – to celebrate the promise of the maple leaf and to proudly wave our flag. Let’s keep writing Canada’s enduring story. Let’s make our country better and fairer, with unity, diversity, and prosperity. Let’s stand together, work together, and grow together, as the true north, strong and free.”
February 16, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Skidegate, British Columbia
The Prime Minister will participate in a community celebration of the Haida Title Lands Agreement. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, Gary Anandasangaree, and the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, will also be in attendance.
Note for media:
Pooled coverage
UPDATE – Prime Minister’s itinerary for Sunday, February 16, 2025
February 16, 2025
Ottawa, Ontario
Greater Vancouver Area, British Columbia
The Prime Minister will meet with Team Canada competitors at the 2025 Invictus Games.
Note for media:
Pooled photo opportunity
The Prime Minister will meet with the B.C. Task Force on Trade and Economic Security.
Close to media
The Prime Minister will deliver remarks at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Invictus Games.
Note for media:
Pooled photo opportunity
