Braley To Be Appointed To Senate

ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
With files from The Canadian Press

OTTAWA — Toronto Argonauts owner David Braley , is being appointed a senator by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

“I welcome the addition of David Braley to the Senate,” said the Prime Minister.  “Through his involvement in sport and philanthropy he has shown a commitment to both his community and his country.”

He replaces Conservative senator Wilbert Keon, who has reached the mandatory Senate retirement age of 75.

Harper has typically waited for a number of Senate vacancies to open up before making a group appointment, but officials in the government say there is too much important legislation to be passed before the summer recess and every Tory vote is needed.

Harper continued, “I look forward to working with Mr. Braley and all of our Senators as our government works towards a more democratic, accountable and effective Senate,” said Prime Minister Harper.

The Conservatives hold a plurality of seats in the Senate, but not an absolute majority.

Harper — who once said he would never appoint senators but instead wanted them elected — has now appointed 33 Conservatives to the 105-seat upper House in the last 18 months.