Two New Brunswickers are being recommended for Senate appointments by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who intends to fill 9 vacancies – all of whom will be independent and non-partisan.
Nancy Hartling of Moncton has been a long-time advocate of issues affecting women and also founded the non-profit group Support to Single Parents Inc.
René Cormier of Caraquet has a long background in the Acadian arts and culture community and has served in a number of leadership roles including as a former president of the Acadian National Society.
These appointments are intended to reflect a new merit-based process which is designed to ensure the Senate is independent and will restore public trust in the upper chamber.
The recommendations have been made to the Governor General.
Meantime, the federal Commissioner of Lobbying Karen Shepherd is investigating a complaint from Democracy Watch about lobbyists using fundraisers to rub elbows with top Liberal cabinet ministers. The advocacy group calls it cash for access.
Democracy Watch earlier launched a court challenge over whether federal Liberal Fisheries Minister Dominic LeBlanc was in conflict of interest and should be allowed to make decisions affecting J.D. Irving.
