24.4°C Vancouver

Jul 15, 2026 6:09 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press

Federal government names new members to independent Senate appointments advisory board

Share On
federal-government-names-new-members-to-independent-senate-appointments-advisory-board
François Rolland has been appointed chair of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments as the federal government announces new members to the panel. (Photo: The Canadian Press)

The federal government has announced new appointments to the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, one week after Prime Minister Mark Carney named four new senators to the upper chamber.

According to a federal government news release, the advisory board will continue to provide non-binding recommendations to the prime minister on Senate appointments. The board was established in 2016 to support a merit-based and independent appointments process.

The government said the board will continue to include three federal members, including a chair, along with two additional members from each province or territory where a Senate vacancy exists. François Rolland, who has served as a federal member since 2018, has been appointed chair of the board.

Other newly announced members include former senator Sarabjit Marwah, former Westmount mayor Christina Smith, and Indigenous leader and retired provincial court judge James Igloliorte.

The announcement follows Prime Minister Carney's recent appointment of four senators, including Principal Secretary Tom Pitfield and former Conservative MP Richard Martel.

Latest news

CanadaAug 07, 2026

Canada weighs trade concessions as it seeks relief from U.S. tariffs

The federal government is considering a series of trade concessions as it seeks relief from tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The measures under consideration reportedly include easing restrictions on the sale of U.S. liquor in some provinces, removing Canada's retaliatory tariffs on automobiles and expanding market access for U.S. dairy products. According to the sources, Prime Minister Mark Carney's government is attempting to demonstrate to the United States that Canada is committed to improving bilateral trade relations. One of
b-c-adds-17-800-net-jobs-in-july-as-unemployment-rate-falls-to-6-2
BCAug 07, 2026

B.C. adds 17,800 net jobs in July as unemployment rate falls to 6.2%

British Columbia added a net 17,800 jobs in July, bringing the province's unemployment rate down to 6.2 per cent, according to employment figures highlighted by B.C. Jobs and Economic Development Minister Ravi Kahlon. Kahlon said the province recorded the largest increase in full-time employment in Canada during the month, with 32,500 full-time jobs added. The increase included 16,200 new full-time positions held by women, according to the provincial government. The minister also said B.C.'s manufacturing sector gained 3,100 jobs in July, while employment in the agriculture sector increased 43
premier-eby-addresses-wildfire-response-confirms-arrival-of-international-firefighting-crews
BCAug 07, 2026

Premier Eby addresses wildfire response, confirms arrival of international firefighting crews

Premier David Eby addressed reporters in Abbotsford on Thursday evening following continued questions about his public absence during British Columbia's ongoing wildfire emergency. During the news conference, Eby issued an update on the province's wildfire response and confirmed the arrival of additional international firefighting personnel. According to the premier, a second contingent of firefighters from Mexico, Australia and New Zealand has arrived in British Columbia to support wildfire suppression efforts. The crews will work alongside personnel from Alberta, Quebec and Yukon to strength
BCAug 07, 2026

B.C. considers cutting development charges to spur housing construction in high-growth communities

The British Columbia government is considering reducing development cost charges to encourage the construction of new homes in the province's fastest-growing communities. Housing Minister Christine Boyle confirmed the province is in discussions with the federal government on a proposal that would reduce development cost charges by up to 50 per cent for multi-unit housing projects in rapidly growing municipalities. According to the minister, the plan also includes exploring options to offset the funding shortfall municipalities would face if the fees are reduced. Development cost charges are pa
AlbertaAug 07, 2026

Two correctional officers and inmate die during transfer from Edmonton women's prison, CSC says

Correctional Service Canada says two correctional officers and an inmate have died during a transfer from the Edmonton Institution for Women. The federal agency announced the deaths Thursday in a social media post, describing the incident as a "tragic accident." It did not say when the deaths occurred or provide details about how the three people were killed. According to Correctional Service Canada, the transfer involved the Edmonton Institution for Women, a multi-level facility in west Edmonton that houses minimum- and medium-security inmates. No additional information about the circumstance

Related News