It was announced today by Prime Minister Trudeau that the Governor General appointed Ian Shugart and Dr. Flordeliz ‘Gigi’ Osler to the Senate of Canada.
“I am pleased to welcome Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler and Ian Shugart as Parliament’s newest independent Senators. I am confident that their dedication, unique perspectives, and stellar careers will help them best serve Canadians from all walks of life. I look forward to working with them, and all Senators, as we continue to make life more affordable, take climate action, and make life better for people,” the Prime Minister said in his announcement.
With a career in government spanning over 40 years, Ian Shugart is regarded as one of Canada’s top public sector leaders. His last government post is that of Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet. Shugart holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Economy from Trinity College at the University of Toronto and teaches at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the same university.
Born in Winnipeg to immigrant parents from the Philippines and India, Dr. Osler is an internationally-renowned surgeon, former President of the Canadian Medical Association, and an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba. She serves as a role model, research supervisor, and mentor for Filipino and other racialized medical students in Manitoba and across Canada. Dr. Osler is known for her dedication and active involvement in the local and international medical community, and has received numerous honours and awards.
Dr. Osler is also active on Twitter where she released a statement about her appointment.
https://t.co/Isw6U7UMmB pic.twitter.com/SeXbxewxMq
— Dr. F. Gigi Osler (@drgigiosler) September 26, 2022
After their appointment, the new Senators will join their colleagues to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial, and minority interests.
The Senate functions as the Upper House in Canada’s parliamentary democracy, and is created to counterbalance representation by population in the House of Commons. The Senate also provides a platform for the voices of historically underrepresented groups like Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, and women.
Photo credit: Dr. Flordeliz Osler via Facebook, Ian Shugart via Embassy of Qatar in Ottawa
Relevant links:
- Flordeliz Osler biographical notes: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2022/09/26/flordeliz-gigi-osler
- Ian Shugart biographical notes: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2022/09/26/ian-shugart
- Senate of Canada: https://sencanada.ca/en