Independent Senators Group

Origins and Formation

The concept of a non-partisan Senate gained prominence in January 2014 when Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau proposed an open and transparent appointment process for independent senators. This process invited applications and nominations from Canadians, with the board reviewing candidates for planned vacancies. The influx of independent senators created an immediate practical challenge, as the Senate's rules, funding, and committee structures were designed for partisan caucuses, leaving non-affiliated senators without equal resources or representation. In response, six non-affiliated senators formed an independent working group on March 10, 2016.

The founding members were Elaine McCoy, Jacques Demers, John D. Wallace, Michel Rivard, Diane Bellemare, and Pierrette Ringuette. Their stated goal was to ensure equality for all senators regardless of political affiliation and to work towards restoring public confidence in the institution. As the group grew to fifteen members, it formally adopted the name Independent Senators Group. On September 27, 2016, the members elected Senator Elaine McCoy as the group's first facilitator for the remainder of the parliamentary term. The Senate formally recognized the ISG on December 2, 2016, passing a motion to fund the group for two fiscal years and agreeing to make committee appointments proportionate to its numbers.

The ISG's initial budget for 2017 to 2018 was set at C$722,000, which was less than the C$1 million allocated to each of the partisan caucuses. Unlike the partisan caucuses, the ISG announced it would not have parliamentary whips and that its members would not vote together except on issues such as changes to Senate rules and logistics. Beginning in January 2017, the official Senate website distinguished affiliations by listing ISG members as "Non-affiliated (ISG)" to separate them from other non-affiliated senators, such as the Speaker of the Senate George Furey and the Government Representative Peter Harder. The group's first formal leadership election was announced in June 2017 to replace facilitator Elaine McCoy.

Evolution into a Full Parliamentary Group

A major rule change occurred on May 17, 2017, when the Senate voted to remove the requirement that a caucus must be formed by senators from a political party. This change granted the ISG formal equality with the Conservative and Senate Liberal caucuses under Senate rules. Facilitator Elaine McCoy stated this would increase the group's influence on Senate standing committees, ensuring proportional representation. Following this, the ISG held its first formal leadership election in September 2017. Yuen Pau Woo was acclaimed as the new facilitator, with Raymonde Saint-Germain as deputy facilitator, after Larry Campbell recused himself from the race.

The group's membership continued to grow, largely fueled by new independent appointments. On October 30, 2017, the ISG became the largest caucus in the Senate. A subsequent agreement on November 2, 2017, formally reallocated committee chair and member positions to reflect the ISG's size. In October 2017, the group instituted a more formal membership process, requiring new applicants to be approved by at least 60 percent of current members. The ISG's growth was not without internal shifts. On November 4, 2019, eight ISG senators left to help form the Canadian Senators Group, with interim leader Scott Tannas citing a desire for a wider range of views and noting the ISG's size, then at 58 members, had become too large.

Further membership changes occurred as the Progressive Senate Group formed in late 2019. Several ISG members, including Patricia Bovey, Marty Klyne, Brian Francis, and Margaret Dawn Anderson, left to join that caucus in 2020 and 2021. The group also saw notable arrivals, such as Senator Diane Bellemare who joined in November 2019 after leaving her government position. In a significant advisory appointment, former senator Murray Sinclair was named the group's first Indigenous Advisor on February 1, 2021. Senator Marc Gold left the ISG in January 2020 to sit as non-affiliated after agreeing to become the new Government Representative in the Senate. On November 29, 2021, the ISG announced that Raymonde Saint-Germain was elected by acclamation to be the next caucus facilitator, with Tony Dean as deputy facilitator.

Leadership and Internal Structure

The ISG is led by a facilitation team, not a traditional leader, reflecting its non-partisan and collaborative ethos. The facilitator helps organize internal deliberations and preparations but does not whip votes. Under the group's charter, a facilitator can serve a maximum of two two-year terms. The deputy facilitator supports this role, and other positions include a legislative liaison and a chair of group deliberations. This structure is designed to manage the group's operations while preserving the independence of each member senator. The group's charter also outlines the process for electing the facilitation team.

• Elaine McCoy served as the inaugural facilitator from September 27, 2016, to September 25, 2017.
• Yuen Pau Woo was acclaimed as facilitator on September 25, 2017, and served until December 31, 2021. He was term-limited under the group's charter.
• Raymonde Saint-Germain was elected by acclamation and served as facilitator from January 1, 2022, to January 1, 2026.
• Lucie Moncion began her term as facilitator on January 1, 2026.

The deputy facilitator role has seen similar succession. Raymonde Saint-Germain served as deputy from September 25, 2017, to December 31, 2021, followed by Tony Dean from January 1, 2022, to June 24, 2023. Bernadette Clement was elected deputy facilitator on June 24, 2023. As of January 1, 2026, the facilitation team consists of Facilitator Lucie Moncion and Deputy Facilitator Joan Kingston. Other key roles include Pierre Dalphond as Legislative Liaison and Chantal Petitclerc as the Chair of Group Deliberations, a position she has held since January 1, 2022. The group announced its new facilitation team would begin its two-year mandate on January 1, 2026.

Operational Role and Legislative Review

The core function of the Independent Senators Group is to provide careful, independent scrutiny of government legislation, embodying the principle of 'sober second thought.' ISG members are not bound by party discipline and are free to vote according to their conscience and analysis. The group's diversity of professional and regional backgrounds is considered a foundation of its effectiveness, bringing a wide range of perspectives to complex policy issues. This approach aims to strengthen legislative review by focusing on evidence and the national interest rather than partisan strategy. In practice, this has led to rigorous debate and the proposal of constructive amendments.

Following the 2017 rule changes, the group receives committee chair and member positions based on its size, allowing its members to shape committee studies, reports, and amendments. This system ensures independent senators have a direct and substantive role in the detailed examination of bills and studies of national issues. The group believes this independent model has changed how legislation is studied and has been a positive development for the Senate. The ISG's work on bills has included amendments to force government reporting on new asylum rules and to clarify limits on immigration information-sharing powers. The group's influence is exercised through its proportional representation on all Senate standing committees, including internal economy, national finance, and social affairs.

Challenges and Internal Dynamics

As the largest group in the Senate, the ISG has managed the inherent tensions of a large body of independent-minded legislators. The group's commitment to non-partisanship has been periodically questioned. A 2017 CBC News analysis found that independent senators appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau voted with the government 94.5 percent of the time. A May 2019 report by The Globe and Mail indicated the government used the Liberal Party's donor database, Liberalist, to vet prospective Senate appointees, raising questions about the appointments' political independence. Internal dynamics have also surfaced, particularly around leadership and group coordination.

This led to discussions in early 2026 about the potential formation of a new breakaway group led by Hassan Yussuff. Following a closed-door meeting in April 2026, the ISG issued a statement affirming unity under Facilitator Moncion's leadership. The group has also dealt with operational challenges, as some senators have expressed frustration over procedural issues, such as the coordination of amendments. These incidents prompted what the group called a thoughtful reflection on internal methods in 2026 to ensure it continues to serve Canadians effectively. The ISG stated in April 2026 that its diversity of thought naturally leads to rigorous discussion, which is essential for maintaining high standards in legislative review.

The ISG and Senate Modernization

The rise of the Independent Senators Group is the most visible element of a broader transformation of the Canadian Senate. From its inception, the ISG has been committed to modernizing the Upper House into a less partisan institution. By 2026, more than 75 percent of senators sat as members of independent groups, a reality that has fundamentally changed how legislation is studied and debated. The ISG views its role as helping to build an anchor of stability within Parliament, especially during periods of minority government or political uncertainty. The group's vision, as outlined in its charter, is for independent senators to contribute to a Senate that reflects the needs and views of a diverse and modern Canada.

This modernized model positions the Senate as a complementary chamber that reviews legislation from a non-electoral, long-term perspective. The ISG argues this shift has been a positive development for Canadian democracy, enhancing the quality of legislative review. The group's tenth anniversary in 2026 was framed as a milestone in this ongoing transition toward a more independent and effective institution. The existence and growth of the ISG have also spurred the creation of other non-partisan groups, namely the Canadian Senators Group and the Progressive Senate Group. This fragmentation reflects a Senate moving away from a strict government-opposition dynamic toward a more pluralistic and nuanced chamber. The ISG's official website describes the group as innovative, inclusive, and impactful in its work.

Composition and Membership Trends

The membership of the Independent Senators Group is fluid, as senators may join, leave, or change affiliation. The primary pipeline for new ISG members has been the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments process, established by the federal government. Canadians apply or are nominated for Senate appointments, with the advisory board reviewing candidates and providing recommendations to the Prime Minister. Most appointees through this system have chosen to join the ISG, though some sit as non-affiliated senators or join other groups. Not all independent senators are members of the ISG. Organizations and individuals are also encouraged to nominate high-quality individuals whom they consider to be potential candidates for appointment to the Senate.

Key figures such as the Speaker of the Senate and the Government Representative in the Senate traditionally sit as non-affiliated senators to maintain neutrality. For example, when Senator Marc Gold agreed to become the Government Representative in January 2020, he left the ISG to sit as non-affiliated. The group's size has fluctuated with these movements and the creation of other groups. The following table illustrates the relative size of parliamentary groups in the Senate as of late 2026, showing the presence of multiple independent groups and traditional caucuses.

The group's internal culture emphasizes independence and diversity of thought. Members come from varied backgrounds including law, business, academia, public service, and Indigenous leadership. This composition is intended to enrich debate and ensure legislation is examined from multiple angles. The requirement for new members to gain 60 percent approval from existing members is designed to maintain a shared commitment to the group's non-partisan principles while accommodating a broad spectrum of perspectives. The ISG's membership includes senators from every province and territory in Canada.

Questions about Independent Senators Group

What is the Independent Senators Group?

The Independent Senators Group (ISG) is the largest parliamentary group in the Senate of Canada, composed of senators who are not members of any political party. Established on March 10, 2016, its purpose is to advance a non-partisan and modernized Senate. Members work cooperatively but act and vote independently, providing 'sober second thought' on legislation. The group receives funding and committee seats proportional to its size, similar to traditional party caucuses.

How are senators appointed to the ISG?

Most ISG members are appointed to the Senate through the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, a process established by the federal government. Canadians can apply or be nominated for Senate vacancies, and the board reviews candidates before making recommendations to the Prime Minister. Once appointed, these independent senators may choose to join the ISG, subject to an approval vote by at least 60 percent of existing members. Individuals who are nominated are still required to submit an online application.

Who leads the Independent Senators Group?

The ISG is led by a facilitation team, not a single leader. The facilitator, who can serve a maximum of two two-year terms, helps organize the group's internal deliberations. As of January 2026, the facilitator is Senator Lucie Moncion and the deputy facilitator is Senator Joan Kingston. Other key roles include the Legislative Liaison, held by Senator Pierre Dalphond, and the Chair of Group Deliberations, held by Senator Chantal Petitclerc. The facilitation team is elected by the group's membership.

Is the ISG truly independent from the government?

The ISG asserts its independence, as its members are not part of a political party caucus and are not whipped to vote a certain way. However, questions about its relationship with the government have been raised. A 2017 analysis found independent senators appointed by Prime Minister Trudeau voted with the government 94.5 percent of the time. Reports have also indicated the government used a Liberal Party database to vet some appointees. The group maintains that its members exercise free judgment when reviewing legislation.

How has the ISG changed the Canadian Senate?

The ISG has been the driving force behind a major structural change in the Senate. Its growth has shifted the chamber away from a strict government-versus-opposition dynamic. By 2026, over 75 percent of senators sat in independent groups, fundamentally altering how legislation is studied. The ISG's existence led to rule changes granting non-partisan groups equal status, proportional committee seats, and funding. This model aims to make the Senate a less partisan institution focused on detailed legislative review from diverse, non-electoral perspectives.

What was the reason for the potential breakaway group in 2026?

In early 2026, discussions emerged about a potential new breakaway group led by Senator Hassan Yussuff. Some senators expressed frustration over internal coordination, particularly regarding lengthy debates on government bills caused by poorly coordinated amendments. After a closed door meeting in April 2026, the ISG issued a statement affirming unity and reflecting on internal methods to improve service to Canadians. Talks about the new group subsequently quieted, with the ISG stating its diversity of thought is essential for rigorous legislative review.

Sources and further reading

• Independent Senators Group (Wikipedia)
• Statement from the Independent Senators Group in ... (isgsenate.ca)
• The independent Senate in 2026: an anchor of stability (hilltimes.com)
• Plans for new Senate group could be fizzling out after ISG ... (ipolitics.ca)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-10-28.