QUESTION PERIOD — Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Deputy Minister--Female Appointments
April 11, 2019
Honourable senators, this is a question to Senator Harder. It relates to something I’ve recently learned, and I want to make sure my understanding is correct.
The first part of my question is: Is it correct that there has never been a woman deputy minister of Foreign Affairs?
I thank the honourable senator for her question. I’m looking in my mind at the pictures. I think you will find that there have been a number of associate deputy ministers of Foreign Affairs, and there have certainly been a number of deputy ministers of International Trade within the department. But I believe you are correct in your recollection that there has not been a woman appointed as deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, although there probably could have been when certain people were appointed.
My understanding is there is a vacancy and a search under way.
The second part of my question is whether it would be possible to convey the first part of my question and ask if this could be given some consideration.
I thank the honourable senator for her question. Having benefitted from working for a woman minister of Foreign Affairs many, many years ago, I will indeed raise this, but not in a spirit where I am trying to have influence on behalf of the Senate for an independent process to respect the public service integrity. But I do think the point you’re making is one where attention ought to be drawn.
