Prime Minister Mark Carney defended his appointment of his principal secretary to the Senate on Wednesday, arguing the move was based on merit and experience rather than political patronage. Speaking on the margins of the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Carney said the appointee brings valuable expertise to the upper chamber.
Appointment sparks debate
The appointment, announced earlier this week, has drawn criticism from opposition parties who accuse Carney of abandoning his promise to make Senate appointments non-partisan. Carney had previously scrapped the non-partisan criteria for Senate selections, a move he said was necessary to ensure qualified individuals could serve.
“This individual has a strong record of public service and policy expertise,” Carney told reporters. “I am confident they will serve Canadians well in the Senate.”
NATO summit context
Carney made the remarks while attending the NATO summit, where he faced pressure from allies to increase Canada’s defense spending. The prime minister said discussions were underway about shifting NATO spending commitments, though he did not provide specifics.
“We are engaged in constructive talks with our allies,” Carney said. “Canada remains committed to its NATO obligations.”
