Donald Neil Plett

Senator Donald Neil Plett

Whether I am fighting for the protection of children, fairness for Canadian tradespersons and farmers, the promotion of religious freedom, or improving the democratic process, every time I step into the Red Chamber, I am honoured to carry the responsibility of serving my community.

Biography

Don Plett has dedicated much of his life to community service in his home province of Manitoba. As a Red River College alumnus, Senator Plett served on the Board of Governors of the College. An active sports enthusiast, he has coached and played hockey, basketball, and golf and was President of the Landmark Minor Hockey Association. Senator Plett also served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Village Council, and Chair of the local Utilities Board. Throughout the years, he has maintained an active interest in politics, including serving as the President of the Conservative Party of Canada. He remains the longest serving president of a conservative party in Canadian history. Senator Plett and his wife Betty have four sons and twelve grandchildren.

Senator Plett was appointed to the Senate August 27, 2009 on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. 

Senator Plett is known for taking a strong stance on issues that he is passionate about, some of which include: the protection of children, supporting Canadian farmers, religious freedom, free speech, fair democratic processes, and issues facing the trades and construction industry. Senator Plett also frequently contributes to discussions surrounding Senate reform, both in an out of the red chamber.

In December 2015, Senator Plett became part of the Senate Conservative leadership team, when he was named Opposition Whip in the Senate.

In November 2019, Senator Plett was elected Leader of the Opposition in the Senate. 

Senate Business
2020-02-26 Non-Government Motion no. 29 – Motion to refer the first report of the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators back to the committee for further consideration
2020-02-25 Adjournment of the Senate
2020-02-25 CONF no. 1 – Developments and actions in relation to the committee’s fifth report regarding Senator Beyak – Adjournment of Debate
2019-06-20 An Act to enact the Impact Assessment Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Act, to amend the Navigation Protection Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts – C-69 – Motion to not insist on Senate amendments in response to message from Commons
2019-06-20 An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and another Act – C-83 – Motion to not insist on Senate amendments in response to message from Commons

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Senator’s Activities

Senator Plett asks Witnesses about Need for Explicit Conscientious Objection Provision in Bill C-14

Senator Plett and Psychiatrists Discuss Mental Illness & Assisted Suicide

Psychiatrist's Powerful Response Regarding Mandatory Referrals for Medical Assistance in Dying

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Committee Membership

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The Leader of the Government and the Leader of the Opposition or, in the absence of either, their respective Deputy Leaders are ex officio members of all committees except the Standing Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest for Senators, the joint committees and subcommittees.