QUESTION PERIOD — Privy Council Office
Senate Appointments
June 18, 2024
My question is also for the Government Representative in the Senate.
Senator Gold, Nunavut has not had a senator since the retirement of our colleague Dennis Patterson. There are only two federal representatives for each territory. The need for full representation in the other place and here is critical.
Nunavut’s two members of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments were appointed in February. Would you please provide us with a progress report on the appointment of a Nunavut senator?
Thank you for the question. Because of the nature of the process — which, as you know, is an open and transparent process, but one that is otherwise not one in which I am involved — I cannot give you a progress report with regard to your particular question.
My understanding, colleagues, is that most of the committees responsible for reviewing applications and making their recommendations have been established. Many, indeed, have completed their work.
I can also assure this chamber the government is both aware of and committed to filling vacancies in a timely manner, but, unfortunately, we’ll have to wait for an announcement to know exactly when the senator will be appointed.
Senator Gold, with small populations spread over a large area, even one vacancy at a senior level can cause challenges. It makes public sector work difficult and challenging.
The Deputy Commissioner of Nunavut has not been appointed. The Chief Justice for Nunavut has also not been appointed. One vacancy at any level is essential for legislatures.
Can you advise on these appointments, or can you ask that they be moved to the top of the appointment pile?
Thank you for your question and for underlining the importance — in Nunavut and, indeed, everywhere — of filling senior appointments in a timely fashion with the best people available. I’ll certainly raise this with the minister.
