My question is to the Leader of the Government in the Senate. Senator Harder, according to media reports, one of the Trudeau government's new so-called non- partisan senators donated $1,400 to the Liberal Party of Canada last year. That is the Laurier Club level. This year, she has already donated another $825.

Another newly named senator is a widow of a former Liberal MP. These attributes are similar to my own, prior to my Senate appointment, except that my donations and my husband's political affiliation was Conservative. The stark contrast here is that my partisanship is open and transparent.

Senator Harder, in the interests of openness and transparency, I want to know just how non-partisan and independent these new Trudeau appointments really are. Will you release the portion of each new senator's application form that details their political involvement?

Hon. Peter Harder (Government Representative in the Senate): Let me respond by reminding honourable senators that the independent, arm's length appointment process is completely separate from my role and indeed the role of the Prime Minister's Office. The announcement of this stellar group of 21 appointments reflects the broad range of experience and richness of diversity that this country represents at its best, and I hope that we can all welcome these 21 senators and recognize and respect their decision to sit as independents.

Senator Batters: Senator Harder, yes or no? Will you release the new senators' application form portion that details their political involvement?

Senator Harder: I cannot release that which I do not have.

Senator Plett: Then you get it when you meet with the Prime Minister next.