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
2020-11-05 Non-Government Motion no. 43 – CIBA Power to Meet by Videoconference – Adjournment of Debate
2020-10-28 Non-Government Motion no. 37 – Sessional Order Relating to Committees – Amendment (Sen. Bellemare)
2020-10-28 Non-Government Motion no. 37 – Sessional Order Relating to Committees – Amendment (Sen. Bellemare) – Adjournment of Debate
2020-06-18 Non-Government Motion no. 56 – Committee of the Whole on racism – Amendment (Sen. Black (Ontario)) – Subamendment (Sen. Plett) – Adjournment of Debate
2020-06-18 Non-Government Motion no. 56 – Committee of the Whole on racism – Amendment (Sen. Black (Ontario)) – Adjournment of Debate

See all votes by this Senator

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

See all

Committee Membership

See all committees

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.