UNBC professor Dr. Margo Greenwood was appointed to serve as senator for British Columbia.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office made the announcement on Thursday.
“Today, I welcome Dr. Margo Greenwood as Parliament’s newest independent senator,” Trudeau said in a statement released on Thursday. “Dr. Greenwood’s academic expertise, commitment to health and education, and dedication to the well-being of Indigenous communities will make her a strong voice for British Columbians. I look forward to working with her, and with all senators, as we continue to make life more affordable for people and build an economy that works for all Canadians.”
Greenwood is an internationally-recognized scholar and author, with 30 years of experience researching issues related to the health and well-being of Indigenous communities.
She has worked at UNBC since 1997, where she is a professor in the university’s education program and the academic leader of the National Collaborating Centre for Indigenous Health. In addition, this year she was appointed the interim scientific director of the Institute of Indigenous People’s Health with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Greenwood is an officer of the Order of Canada and recipient of many awards and distinctions, including the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal She serves on the boards of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia and the British Columbia Patient Safety and Quality Council.
She is the 63rd independent senator appointed by the governor general, on Trudeau’s advice. Senators are appointed by the governor general, based on the advice of the prime minister.
Since 2016, all candidate submissions for the senate are reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides recommendations to the prime minister.
Senate appointments are held until the age of 75.
