Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments


The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments is an independent, non-partisan body established by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to provide merit-based recommendations on nominations to the Senate of Canada. The body was established in an attempt to end partisanship in Senate appointments. Individuals wishing to be appointed to the Senate may submit an application to the board for consideration. The board was established on January 19, 2016 and is made up of three permanent federal members and two members from each of the provinces or territories where a vacancy is to be filled‍. On January 19, 2016, the names of the members of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments was announced. The chair is former deputy minister Huguette Labelle. There are two other permanent members: McGill University dean of law Daniel Jutras and former University of Alberta president Indira Samarasekera. Two ad hoc members from Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario were also named. This board makes up a short list of candidates to be considered for Senate vacancies, based on merit instead of partisan politics. However, the slate of recommended candidates is not binding on the Prime Minister who will make the final decision as to who is recommended to the Governor General for appointment.