President Timmons appointed to independent Senate recommendation board

By Greg Campbell Posted: September 5, 2018 1:50 p.m.

University of Regina President & Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons UR Photography

Work is underway to determine who Canada’s newest members of Senate will be, and there is a University of Regina connection. 

This summer, President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vianne Timmons was appointed to the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments. She joins colleagues from across Canada on the board established in 2016 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to provide non-partisan recommendations for Senate appointments. Timmons joins a board that is committed to ensuring Canada’s diversity is reflected in Canada’s upper house and that there remains a high standard of integrity and collaboration within Senate. 

“The upper house of the Parliament of Canada is a cornerstone of our parliamentary democracy,” says Timmons. “I am truly honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the continuing development of this important legislative body.” 

The Advisory Board is chaired by Huguette Labelle, Companion of the Order of Canada, Emeritus Governor of the University of Ottawa, and recipient of the Public Service of Canada’s Outstanding Achievement Award. In addition to the Chair, current Federal members of the Advisory Board include former Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo Mayor Melissa Blake and former Chief Justice of the Superior Court of Québec Honourable François Rolland. McGill University dean of law Daniel Jutras and former University of Alberta president Indira Samarasekera are permanent members of the board. Members are appointed to two-year terms. 

Timmons’ work with the board has already begun as there are eight Senate vacancies to be filled.