Longtime broadcaster and Free Press columnist Charles Adler has been named to Canada’s Senate.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Saturday morning that Adler was one of two new independent senators appointed by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon.
Adler will serve as a Manitoba senator while health-care executive Tracy Muggli will serve as a Saskatchewan senator.
JOHN WOODS / FREE PRESS files
Charles Adler will serve as a Manitoba senator.
“The Senate of Canada will be stronger with its newest independent senators. Mr. Adler and Ms. Muggli will put their vast experience and knowledge to work for all Canadians in their new roles,” Trudeau said in the release announcing his appointment.
Adler, a son of Holocaust survivors, emigrated to Canada with his family from Hungary in 1957. For over 50 years, Adler has established himself as a radio host, journalist and “influential voice in Canada,” the release said.
He received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and a lifetime achievement award from the Radio Television Digital News Association.
“Throughout his career, he has used his platform to champion human rights and Canadian democracy,” the release said.
The two new senators were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which uses non-partisan and merit-based criteria to identify candidates for the Senate. There are now 84 independent senators, with appointments made on the advice of Trudeau.
Senators are tasked with examining and revising legislation, investigating national issues and representing regional and minority interests.