Duties
The party with the greatest number of elected representatives outside the governing party becomes Her 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 Don Plett
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| The Honourable Don Plett |
Don Plett has dedicated much of his life to community service in his home province of Manitoba. As a Red River College alumnus, Senator Plett served on the Board of Governors of the College. An active sports enthusiast, he has coached and played hockey, basketball, and golf and was President of the Landmark Minor Hockey Association. Senator Plett also served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Village Council, and Chair of the local Utilities Board. Throughout the years, he has maintained an active interest in politics, including serving as the President of the Conservative Party of Canada. He remains the longest serving president of a conservative party in Canadian history. Senator Plett and his wife Betty have four sons and twelve grandchildren.
Senator Plett was appointed to the Senate August 27, 2009 on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Senator Plett is known for taking a strong stance on issues that he is passionate about, some of which include: the protection of children, supporting Canadian farmers, religious freedom, free speech, fair democratic processes, and issues facing the trades and construction industry. Senator Plett also frequently contributes to discussions surrounding Senate reform, both in an out of the red chamber.
In December 2015, Senator Plett became part of the Senate Conservative leadership team, when he was named Opposition Whip in the Senate.
SOURCES: The Senate of Canada and the Liberal Party of Canada.
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