Independent Senators Group
The Independent Senators Group (ISG; French: Groupe des sénateurs indépendants) is a parliamentary group in the Senate of Canada. Established on March 10, 2016, the Independent Senators Group is committed to a non-partisan Senate and the modernization of the Upper House of Canada's Parliament. The Independent Senators Group is the largest parliamentary group in the Senate. Composed of independents not affiliated with any political caucus, members of the group work cooperatively but act independently.[1]
Independent Senators Group Groupe des sénateurs indépendants
The majority of Independent Senators Group members have been Canadians who have applied directly to the Senate through the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments. The Advisory Board, when convened by the Prime Minister, reviews applications in provinces and territories where there are planned or current vacancies. Organizations and individuals are also encouraged to nominate high-quality individuals whom they consider to be potential candidates for appointment to the Senate and whom they feel meet the assessment criteria. Individuals who are nominated for a Senate appointment are still required to submit an online application.[2]
Question of independence[edit]
A 2017 CBC News study found that independent senators appointed by Justin Trudeau voted with the government 94.5 percent of the time.[32]
The Globe and Mail reported in May 2019 that Trudeau used Liberalist, a Liberal Party database, in order to vet prospective Senate appointees.[33]