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The Senate was created under the Constitution Act, 1867, primarily to protect regional interests but also to provide what George-Étienne Cartier called a "power of resistance to oppose the democratic element." |
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DutiesThe party with the greatest number of elected representatives outside the governing party becomes His Majesty's Loyal Opposition. This party takes the lead in holding the Government accountable for its policies and actions. The leader of this party becomes the Leader of the Official Opposition but is most often a Member of the House of Commons. He or she will therefore appoint a Leader of the Official Opposition in the Senate, sitting directly across from the Leader of the Government in the Senate. The duty of the Official Opposition and other opposition parties is to "oppose," criticizing government policies and suggesting improvements, and presenting an alternative to the current Government's policy agenda.Opposition members have various opportunities to influence the formulation of laws and policies including the daily Question Period in the Senate. The opposition is allocated 20 "Opposition Days" or "Supply Days" each calendar year, during which it can propose a motion for debate in the Senate and criticize the Government on issues of broad national policy. Members of opposition parties also serve on parliamentary committees in both the Senate and the House of Commons. The Honourable Leo Housakos
Earlier in his Senate career, Senator Housakos was elected Speaker Pro Tempore and, in 2015, appointed Speaker of the Senate. He has served on committees focused on legislation, mental health, and media policy, with a principal focus on the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Committee, advancing initiatives that promote diplomacy, human rights, and global freedom. A strong advocate for human rights, Senator Housakos has spoken out against the persecution of Uyghur Muslims, repression in Hong Kong, and abuses in Iran and Turkey, while supporting Armenians in Artsakh and Jewish Canadians in addressing rising antisemitism. His commitment to advocacy and improving the lives of vulnerable Canadians also extends to health and social policy. Among his most meaningful Senate achievements, he successfully advanced legislation in 2023 requiring the Government of Canada to develop and implement a National Autism Strategy. A proud Canadian of Hellenic descent, Senator Housakos has been deeply involved in Greek and Hellenic initiatives. He co-founded the Hellenic Board of Trade, served as Vice-President of the Hellenic Congress of Quebec, and in 2018 was invested as an Archon of the Greek Orthodox Church in recognition of his service to the Church, community, and Canada. He also supports Montreal’s Greek schools and the Giant Steps School for autistic children. Senator Housakos’s greatest sources of pride and joy remain his wife Demi and their two sons, Peter and Tasso. |
