Kids Brain Health Network is delighted to share that the Hon. Colin Deacon was appointed an independent Senator on June 18.

Senator Deacon, who fills a vacant Senate seat in Nova Scotia, has led a distinguished career as an entrepreneur and business leader. His leadership in promoting technology start-ups and businesses has helped create new jobs and opportunities for people across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada. He is a board member and Vice Chair of the Kids Brain Health Network and serves on the board of the Halifax Assistance Fund, which helps those in need in his community.

Under Sen. Deacon’s leadership,  BlueLight Analytics, a Halifax-based tech start-up that specializes in products for dentists, and SpellRead have both received numerous awards and recognition, including being named one of Canada’s 50 Hottest Start-up companies by PROFIT Magazine and the fastest growing company by PROFIT and Progress magazines. His companies also received the Prince Edward Island Premier’s Export Award, and Startup Canada’s Innovation Award (Atlantic Region).

Sen. Deacon was recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using the merit-based process open to all Canadians. This process ensures Senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.

Quote

“It is my pleasure to welcome Colin Deacon as Parliament’s newest independent Senator. His experience as an entrepreneur and his commitment to serving those in need make him a great choice to represent the people of Nova Scotia. I look forward to working with him to make a difference in the lives of Canadians.”
—The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick Facts

  • There have been 37 appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
  • Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, Senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • Since 2016, the selection process for Senators has been opened to allow all Canadians to apply. Candidate submissions are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides the Prime Minister with recommendations. From the recommended pool of candidates, the Prime Minister selects the individuals he then recommends to the Governor General for appointment to the Senate.
  • The Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments is guided by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates.
  • Once appointed by the Governor General and summoned to the Senate, the new Senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial, and minority interests –important functions in a modern democracy.

From a press release issued by the Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.