Canadian Senators Group

Formation and Founding Principles

The Canadian Senators Group was officially formed on November 4, 2019, by a coalition of 11 senators from various backgrounds. The founding members included eight senators who left the Independent Senators Group (ISG), two who departed the Conservative Party's Senate caucus, and one previously non-affiliated senator. In interviews, interim leader Scott Tannas cited specific motivations for the split, including a perceived lack of independence within the ISG during contentious legislative debates on west coast oil tanker moratoriums and other energy files in spring 2019. Tannas also expressed concern that the ISG, with 58 members at the time, had become too large, potentially stifling a wider range of views and approaches necessary for effective Senate work. To counteract groupthink and ensure meaningful deliberation, the founding members agreed to a foundational principle: capping the CSG's membership at no more than 25 senators.

This structural choice was designed to foster closer collaboration and ensure all members could actively contribute. The group's creation was also framed as a renewed effort to focus on regional issues, a core constitutional purpose of the Senate that the founders felt could be better served through a smaller, more agile caucus. Among those joining the new group was Senator Elaine McCoy, who had previously served as the Independent Senators Group's founding facilitator from 2016 to 2017. The founding of the CSG represented a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of the Senate's group structure following the 2015 reforms initiated by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Early Growth and Member Defections

The CSG quickly attracted additional senators following its launch, demonstrating the appeal of its independent model. On November 18, 2019, just two weeks after formation, Senators Percy Downe and Jean-Guy Dagenais joined the group. Downe, formerly of the Progressive Senate Group and the Senate Liberal Caucus, stated he still supported the Liberal Party but was drawn to the diversity of views within the CSG. Jean-Guy Dagenais, a Conservative, cited disagreements with then-Conservative leader Andrew Scheer's social views and the perceived low importance Scheer placed on Quebec as reasons for his defection. These early additions highlighted the CSG's role as a destination for senators disillusioned with their former party caucuses or seeking a less rigid parliamentary affiliation.

Further defections to the CSG occurred in subsequent years, often linked to dissatisfaction with party leadership. On February 4, 2022, Senator Dennis Patterson left the Conservative caucus to join the CSG, citing disappointment that party members were not condemning the Freedom Convoy protests as his final reason for leaving. Later that year, on August 4, 2022, Senator Larry Smith also left the Conservative caucus for the CSG, though he clarified he would remain a member of the Conservative Party itself. These moves showed the CSG's positioning as a group where senators could maintain personal political leanings while exercising greater independence in their parliamentary duties. The group's membership cap of 25 meant it could selectively accept new members who aligned with its independent, regionally-focused mandate.

Leadership and Internal Structure

The Canadian Senators Group elects its leadership team for two-year terms, with roles including a leader, deputy leader, liaison, and chair. The founding leader was Senator Scott Tannas, who served from the group's inception on November 4, 2019. The initial deputy leader was Josée Verner, and the first chair was Senator Robert Black. The liaison role, responsible for internal coordination, was held by Senator Percy Downe from November 20, 2019. Over time, these positions have seen turnover, with Dennis Patterson serving as deputy leader from March 2022 to October 2023 and Rebecca Patterson serving as deputy leader from October 2023.

In January 2026, a new leadership team was elected for the 2026 to 2028 term, marking a generational shift for the group. The Honourable Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler was elected leader, succeeding Scott Tannas. The Honourable Robert Black moved from the chair role to become deputy leader. The Honourable Krista Ross, previously the deputy liaison, was elected liaison, and the Honourable Mary Robinson was elected chair. In his outgoing statement, Tannas expressed confidence in the new team, emphasizing the CSG's founding mission to allow senators to speak, act, and vote independently while ensuring thorough legislative review. Incoming leader Gigi Osler highlighted the caucus's foundation on respect, teamwork, and a commitment to constructive, principled work in the Senate. This leadership change occurred amidst broader discussions about the Senate's future direction and the role of independent groups.

Membership and Senate Standing

As of 2026, the Canadian Senators Group holds 15 seats in the Senate, making it the third-largest group in the chamber after the Independent Senators Group (37 seats) and the Progressive Senate Group (17 seats). The group's membership has fluctuated since its founding, influenced by new appointments, resignations, and senators changing affiliation. The CSG's self-imposed cap of 25 members remains a defining feature, intended to preserve its character as a smaller, deliberative body. This contrasts with the larger Independent Senators Group, which had 41 members as of late 2026 and has experienced internal discussions about its size potentially leading to fragmentation. The Senate's rules require a minimum of nine senators to form an official group, which grants access to parliamentary resources and committee seats.

The group's composition includes senators with diverse professional backgrounds, from law and medicine to business and public policy, who share a common interest in an independent, modernized Senate. The CSG's standing as a recognized group ensures its members can participate fully in the legislative process and committee work. Members are allocated positions on various Senate standing committees based on the group's size and internal agreements. The CSG's smaller size allows for more direct involvement of each senator in the group's decision-making processes and policy discussions compared to larger caucuses.

The CSG in a Changing Senate

The Canadian Senators Group operates within a Senate that has undergone significant reform since 2015, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau removed senators from the national Liberal Party caucus and established the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments. This led to an influx of ostensibly independent senators, most of whom joined the Independent Senators Group. The CSG's formation in 2019 was an early sign of diversification within this new independent environment. However, the Senate's structure remains in flux, as evidenced by rumours in 2026 of a potential sixth group being formed by senators including Hassan Yussuff and Rodger Cuzner, which some sources suggested could signal a move back toward a government-supporting caucus. These rumours were linked to a perceived power struggle within the ISG following a close facilitator election between Lucie Moncion and Hassan Yussuff in late 2025.

Prime Minister Mark Carney's first Senate appointments in July 2026 further altered the dynamic. The appointments of Conservative MP Richard Martel and Carney's principal secretary Tom Pitfield, alongside experts Rodney Ouellette and Geeta Tucker, were accompanied by a change to the advisory board's criteria. The government removed the non-partisanship requirement, emphasizing expertise in strategic industries and regulatory systems instead. This shift reopened public debate about the ideal background for senators. An Abacus Data survey from July 2026 found Canadians divided, with 35% approving and 31% disapproving of appointing people with strong political party backgrounds. These developments directly impact groups like the CSG, which was founded on principles of independence and may face a chamber with a renewed partisan presence. The group's response to this changing landscape will test its founding commitment to non-partisan, regional focus.

Notable Recent Senate Appointees

Prime Minister Mark Carney's July 2026 Senate appointments brought four new members to the chamber, who were sworn in on September 28, 2026. While these appointees did not immediately join the Canadian Senators Group, their backgrounds illustrate the evolving criteria for Senate selection and the types of expertise now entering the institution. The appointments included individuals with significant political and professional experience, marking a departure from the strictly non-partisan appointments of the previous decade. The inclusion of sitting MP Richard Martel and prime ministerial advisor Tom Pitfield sparked particular debate about partisanship and the Senate's role, with Carney arguing that such experience could make the institution more effective. The appointments were made following a change in the advisory board's criteria that removed the non-partisanship requirement.

• Richard Martel: A former Conservative MP elected four times for Chicoutimi, Le Fjord (2018, 2019, 2021, 2025) and a former hockey coach in the QMJHL and LNAH.
• Rodney Ouellette: A physician, cancer researcher, and founder of the Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, appointed to the Order of New Brunswick in 2025.
• Thomas Pitfield: An entrepreneur, technology executive, and founder of Data Sciences and Canada 2020, who served as principal secretary to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
• Geeta Tucker: A chartered professional accountant and corporate executive who served as President and CEO of CPA Manitoba from 2019 to 2026.

The public reaction to these appointments, as measured by Abacus Data, showed Liberal voters were most supportive. Conservative, NDP, and Bloc Québécois voters were more skeptical. These appointments have the potential to influence the balance and dynamics among the Senate's parliamentary groups in the future. If the new senators join existing groups or form a new caucus, it could alter the relative influence of the CSG and other independent groups in the chamber.

Role and Activities in the Senate

The Canadian Senators Group contributes to the Senate's core functions of legislative review, investigative committee work, and representing regional interests. Members of the CSG sit on various Senate standing committees, where they examine government legislation, study public policy issues, and produce reports. The group's smaller size and lack of a party whip allow its members to approach this work with a degree of independence, voting based on personal judgment and the merits of each case. This aligns with the CSG's stated goal of providing sober second thought, a constitutional principle intended to ensure careful scrutiny of legislation passed by the House of Commons. The group's focus on regional issues often leads its members to champion legislation and studies relevant to their provinces and territories.

The group also engages in the broader work of Senate modernization, advocating for procedural reforms that increase transparency and effectiveness. As a recognized parliamentary group, the CSG receives resources to support its operations and its members' work. The leadership team, particularly the liaison, helps coordinate the group's activities and its approach to upcoming parliamentary business. By maintaining its membership cap, the CSG aims to ensure all its senators can participate meaningfully in debates and committee assignments, fostering a collaborative environment focused on substantive policy work rather than partisan strategy. The CSG's activities are part of the Senate's ongoing transformation into a more independent and effective legislative body.

Questions about Canadian Senators Group

What is the Canadian Senators Group?

The Canadian Senators Group is a parliamentary group in the Senate of Canada, founded on November 4, 2019. It is a non-partisan caucus of senators who operate independently, without a party whip, and focus on regional representation and legislative review. The group was created by senators who wanted a smaller, more deliberative alternative to the larger Independent Senators Group. As of 2026, it holds 15 seats in the Senate and operates with a self-imposed membership cap of 25.

Who is the current leader of the Canadian Senators Group?

The current leader of the Canadian Senators Group is Senator Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler. She was elected leader as part of the group's new leadership team for the 2026 to 2028 term, succeeding founding leader Scott Tannas. The deputy leader for the same term is Senator Robert Black, the liaison is Senator Krista Ross, and the chair is Senator Mary Robinson. This team manages the group's internal affairs and represents it in Senate proceedings.

Why was the Canadian Senators Group formed?

The group was formed on November 4, 2019, by 11 senators for several key reasons. Founding members cited a perceived lack of independence within the large Independent Senators Group during debates on oil and gas legislation in spring 2019. They also believed the ISG had become too large at 58 members, hindering diverse viewpoints. To promote genuine debate and avoid groupthink, the founders agreed to cap CSG membership at 25. A renewed focus on regional issues, a core Senate function, was another stated motivation for its creation.

How does the CSG differ from the Independent Senators Group?

The Canadian Senators Group differs from the Independent Senators Group primarily in its size and founding principles. The CSG has a self-imposed membership cap of 25 to remain small and agile, while the ISG is much larger, with 41 members as of late 2026. The CSG was founded explicitly by senators seeking an alternative to the ISG, whom they felt had become too large and exhibited a lack of independence on certain files. Both groups are non-partisan and their members are not whipped, but the CSG's smaller scale is a defining structural difference.

Can senators in the CSG be members of a political party?

Yes, senators in the Canadian Senators Group can maintain membership in a political party. The group itself is non-partisan, meaning it does not enforce a party line. For example, Senator Larry Smith joined the CSG in August 2022 but clarified he remained a member of the Conservative Party. Similarly, Senator Percy Downe joined in 2019 while stating he still supported the Liberal Party. The CSG allows senators to affiliate with a party personally while exercising independent judgment in their Senate work.

How have recent Senate appointments affected groups like the CSG?

Prime Minister Mark Carney's Senate appointments in July 2026, which included a sitting Conservative MP and his own principal secretary, signalled a potential shift in the appointment process. The government removed the non-partisanship criterion from the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, emphasizing expertise instead. This could lead to a Senate with more openly partisan appointees, potentially altering the dynamics between independent groups like the CSG and any future government-aligned caucus. Rumours of a sixth group forming in 2026 also suggest ongoing realignment within the Senate's group structure.

Sources and further reading

• Canadian Senators Group (Wikipedia)
• New Leadership Team for the Canadian Senators Group (csg.sencanada.ca)
• Sources say senators planning to create sixth group as ... (ipolitics.ca)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-10-30.