The following passages are adapted from the new senators’ introductions in the Senate Chamber. Click here to learn more.

Senator Yuen Pau Woo, British Columbia

Senator Yuen Pau Woo is an expert on Canada’s relations with Asia and has been a champion for openness in trade, the movement of capital, and people. He arrived in Canada from Malaysia at the age of 16 on an academic scholarship and has been instrumental in helping many entities — private and public — in understanding the importance of Asia to their business and to our future. As President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation between 2005 and 2014, he led a major expansion of the organization and spearheaded a campaign highlighting the growing importance of Asia in the world and for Canada. Among other roles, he has worked with leaders from First Nations and has served on a number of councils, boards and commissions.

Senator Patricia Bovey, Manitoba

Senator Patricia Bovey is an accomplished art historian, curator and arts consultant. Senator Bovey is the former director of two major Canadian art galleries, teaches at the university level and has lectured and published extensively. She has participated in federal and provincial cultural policy reviews and has been a member of or chaired several boards and arts organizations such as the National Gallery of Canada and the Canada Council for the Arts. Her volunteer commitments include presenting workshops for Islamic youth leaders and serving on the St. Boniface Hospital’s patient advisory council.

Note to readers: The Honourable Patricia Bovey retired from the Senate of Canada in May 2023. Learn more about her work in Parliament.

Senator René Cormier, New Brunswick

Senator René Cormier is a professional in Canada's arts and culture community and a leader within the international Francophonie. His work is rooted in his own experience and life as a francophone New Brunswicker. He has served as president of the Commission internationale du théâtre francophone, director of the Théâtre populaire d'Acadie, president of the Fédération culturelle canadienne-française, and board member of the Canadian Conference of the Arts. Senator Cormier is recognized for his ability to build bridges between cultural groups that are quite diverse.

Senator Nancy Hartling, New Brunswick

Senator Nancy Hartling is one of New Brunswick’s most dedicated advocates on issues affecting women. Her career has been one focused on families and social issues, and she has advocated locally, provincially and nationally on socio-economic issues facing single parents and their children. She founded and for 34 years led the non-profit organization Support to Single Parents Inc., and also founded St. James Court Inc., an affordable housing complex for single parents. Senator Hartling has played a prominent role in promoting social change in her home province.

Senator Gwen Boniface, Ontario

Senator Gwen Boniface’s career has been one of firsts. Recognized the world over for her profound impact on the role of women in policing, Senator Boniface was the first female inspector of the Ontario Provincial Police, the first woman to have been appointed commissioner of that same force and the first female President of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police. Senator Boniface has also been a key figure in triggering reforms aimed at repairing relationships between police and First Nations communities. She was invested in the Order of Ontario in 2001 in recognition of her service to the province and her work with First Nations communities.

Senator Kim Pate, Ontario

Senator Kim Pate is an ardent champion for social justice and has been at the forefront of working with and on behalf of women in prison and their reintegration into society. As Director of the Canadian Association of Elizabeth Fry Societies, she has also shed light on the special needs of Aboriginal women, who are over-represented in Canadian prisons, as well as those with mental health issues. As a part-time professor in the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Law, she has authored many articles and academic journals and she has acted as a mentor to women and law students. She was appointed to the Order of Canada in 2015.

Senator Marilou McPhedran, Manitoba

Senator Marilou McPhedran is a lawyer, educator and advocate who has tirelessly promoted human rights through reform in law, medicine, education and governance. Senator McPhedran became the youngest lawyer to become a member of the Order of Canada in 1985 for her work in leading a grassroots movement toward strengthening equality rights in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Senator McPhedran has also served on the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal and as Chief Commissioner of the Saskatchewan Human Rights Commission. Her list of honours is long and varied, and her work is an assurance that the voices of marginalized people will be heard and recognized across Canada.

Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard, Nova Scotia

Senator Wanda Thomas Bernard is a highly regarded social worker, educator, researcher, community activist and advocate of social change, she is one of her province’s most dedicated advocates on women's issues. She is also a founding member of the Association of Black Social Workers, which helps address the needs of marginalized citizens, especially those of African descent. Senator Bernard has also served as an expert witness in human rights cases and has received many honours for her work, including the Order of Nova Scotia and the Order of Canada.

Senator Tony Dean, Ontario

Senator Tony Dean is a true agent of change. As a former senior civil servant with the Ontario government, he has led and implemented large projects designed to improve the way government provides services to its residents. Most notably, he led the development of integrated Service Ontario centres. He is also well-known for his mediating abilities, having worked to heal a previously frayed relationship between government, teachers and school boards. Originally from the United Kingdom, Senator Dean is also known for his international work, which includes acting as an adviser to the London-based Commonwealth Secretariat and many Commonwealth governments around the world.

Senator Sarabjit Marwah, Ontario

For 35 years, Senator Sabi Marwah was a fixture of Toronto's banking and economic community, but his interests and involvement in community extended well beyond his noteworthy professional life. While his career at Scotiabank culminated with his appointment as vice-chairman and chief operating officer, his contributions have also included showcasing the rich diversity of Sikh and South Asian art and culture. He has also served on the boards of many not-for-profit organizations, such as the Royal Ontario Museum, the United Way Campaign, the Toronto International Film Festival and the Hospital for Sick Children. As a banker he was responsible for developing strategic plans in areas such as mergers and acquisitions and sat on a number of industry committees. Originally from India, he has a strong academic background in economics and finance.

Senator Lucie Moncion, Ontario

Senator Lucie Moncion’s tenure with the Alliance des caisses populaires de l’Ontario has been marked by growth and stability. Since taking over as president and chief executive officer, asset growth has almost tripled to $1.4 billion. The network of 12 credit unions serves 23 francophone municipalities in northeastern Ontario and plays a key role in the economic development of the region. She also served on various boards, including as Vice-President on the Board of Directors at Nipissing University, and as a member of the Board of Directors at Collège Boréal.

Senator Howard Wetston, Ontario

Senator Howard Wetston is a respected public servant, distinguished lawyer, jurist and executive. He is one the country’s leaders in the field of administrative law and regulation and he has also led the Ontario Securities Commission, the Ontario Energy Board and the Competition Bureau here in Ottawa. Senator Wetston is a former Federal Court judge and has served as general counsel or assistant general counsel with the Canadian Transport Commission, the Canadian Energy Board and the Consumers’ Association of Canada. He has been called to the bar in three provinces.

Senator Diane Griffin, Prince Edward Island

Senator Diane Griffin is a nationally-recognized leader in the field of conservation who has contributed to the protection of ecologically significant lands and sustainable land management. Among her many roles, Senator Griffin has worked in the provincial civil service and served as P.E.I.’s Deputy Minister of Environmental Resources. She is also a tireless community volunteer, contributing her time to organizations that include hospitals, universities and health-related charities. She is the recipient of the Governor General’s Conservation Award and also received the Order of Prince Edward Island in recognition of her volunteerism and contribution to Island life.

Senator Renée Dupuis, Quebec

Senator Renée Dupuis’ leadership and achievements have been repeatedly recognized by her peers and by Canadian society as a whole. A lawyer and writer, Ms. Dupuis has been a consultant for First Nations in negotiating tripartite comprehensive claims. She chaired the Indian Specific Claims Commission in 1991 and the Barreau du Québec’s committee on the rights of Aboriginal peoples in 1998. Ms. Dupuis was a member of the collective that established the Quebec City Women’s Health Centre. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she participated as a volunteer in training activities for women’s support organizations. For her numerous accomplishments, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada and received the Quebec Bar Medal.

Senator Éric Forest, Quebec

Senator Éric Forest worked tirelessly for the development of eastern Quebec for over 50 years. As the mayor of Rimouski, he contributed to shaping a respectful and united community. Rimouski is now regarded as one of the best places to live in Canada. He also worked in the private sector. He was the vice-president and general manager of the Oceanic hockey club, which greatly contributed to enhancing social cohesion throughout eastern Quebec.

Senator Forest chaired the Union of Quebec Municipalities for almost four years. During that time, he led the efforts to restore the public's trust in their elected municipal officials. Senator Forest also succeeded Senator Carignan, the former mayor of Saint-Eustache, on the executive committee of the Union of Quebec Municipalities.

Senator Marc Gold, Quebec

Senator Marc Gold has an impressive record, both professionally and in service to his community. Early in his career, as a law professor at Osgoode Hall in Toronto, he was among a handful of academics invited to provide training to federally appointed judges in the area of constitutional law and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. His career in the private sector led him to the business world, where he was vice-president of a real estate and investment firm based in Montreal. He also worked in the public sector as a part-time member of the Parole Board of Canada. He was also Chair of Jewish Federations of Canada and is currently a member of the executive committee of the Centraide of Greater Montreal.

Senator Marie-Françoise Mégie, Quebec

Since arriving in Quebec from Haiti 40 years ago, Senator Marie-Françoise Mégie has spent more than 35 years as a family physician and nearly 30 years as a university professor. As a clinical associate professor at the University of Montreal, she participated in the seniors' care committee and worked on the curriculum review committee of the Department of Family Medicine. Her medical practice includes providing home health care services for seniors, persons with severe disabilities, and end-of-life patients. She is also the medical director of the Maison de soins palliatifs de Laval.

Senator Raymonde Saint-Germain, Quebec

Senator Raymonde Saint-Germain had a distinguished career as a senior public servant with the Government of Quebec. She served as the Assistant Deputy Minister of International Relations and Deputy Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. She also served two terms as Ombudsperson, during which time she commented on over 125 bills and draft regulations, from the perspective of respect for human rights and freedoms.

She also contributed to the professional development of her peers as a trainer with professional associations and universities, and by mentoring executives. She was awarded the Prix Orange in 2009 by the Association des groupes d'intervention en santé mentale for her initiative to conduct a systemic investigation of violations of the rights of hospitalized psychiatric patients.

Senator Rosa Galvez, Quebec

Senator Rosa Galvez, originally from Peru, is one of Canada’s leading experts in pollution control and environmental pollution. Her experience and knowledge in this field are evident across many environmental issues affecting human health, including water pollution, waste and residues, contaminated lands and the impact of economic activities such as mining petroleum transport. Indeed, one of her hallmark research achievements includes the study of the catastrophic oil spill at Lac-Mégantic.

She provided advice to a number of international organizations, such as the Commission for Environmental Cooperation, including on agreements between Canada and the United States and Quebec and Vermont with regard to protecting the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River. Her research has led her all around the world to countries such as France, Italy, Belgium, Japan, China, and many others.

Senator Dan Christmas, Nova Scotia

A lifelong resident of the Mi’kmaq community of Membertou, Senator Dan Christmas has spent two decades playing a leading role in transforming his home community from a First Nation on the verge of bankruptcy into one of the most successful in Canada. He has worked across a range of fields that include Aboriginal and treaty rights, youth, justice, policing, education, health care and all of the others that go into a successful community.

Earlier, as the Director of the Advisory Services for the Union of Nova Scotia Indians, Senator Christmas coordinated its political and litigation strategy on Aboriginal and treaty rights and, notably, the Mi’kmaq response to the report on the Royal Commission on the Donald Marshall, Jr., Prosecution.

For 18 years he also chaired a local charitable organization, recognized by the Donner Canadian Foundation as one of the best-run not-for-profits in Canada

Note to readers: The Honourable Dan Christmas retired from the Senate of Canada in January 2023. Learn more about his work in Parliament.