Calgary elected Senator Doug Black is retiring from the Upper Chamber, effective October 31..Black was elected by Albertans as a Senator-in-Waiting on April 23, 2012, and was named to the Senate on January 25, 2013, by Prime Minister Stephen Harper..“I have always supported term limits for senators’ service,” said Black, in a social media posting announcing his retirement..“After almost a decade of public service, I believe it is timely to make room for a new voice for Alberta.”.Black led the charge in the Senate against Bills C-69 (No More Pipelines Bil)l and C-48 (Tanker Ban), along with the 2017 small business tax changes..He also authored and shepherded Bill S- 245 – An Act to Declare the Trans Mountain Pipeline Project and related works to be for the General Advantage of Canada – through all three readings of the Senate..“Serving in the Senate has been the highlight of my professional career,” said Black..“I am proud to have represented Albertans. I ran to be Alberta’s voice and I am so grateful for the trust placed in me by Albertans in the 2012 Senate election..“I am departing the Senate knowing that I have done everything I could to advance Alberta’s interest and build Canada.”.Black was the first senator to publish expenses online. .“Senator Black’s been an integral voice for Albertans. He helped lead the charge in the Senate against attacks on our shared prosperity by opposing anti-Alberta legislation like Bills C-69 and C-48,” said Alberta Premier Jason Kenney..“His dedication to our province has been evident during his time as a senator and his public service is an example to all in the Upper Chamber.”.Alberta is currently in the middle of another Senator-in-Waiting election, to be held in conjunction with municipal elections on October 18..Last week, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau slapped Albertans in the face by naming Banff Mayor Karen Sorenson to the Senate, despite the looming Alberta vote and a personal plea from Kenney not to..“Senator Black has served Albertans with honesty and integrity,” said Sorensen..“He worked hard to bring local issues from every part of Alberta to the Senate of Canada and make a difference. I have big shoes to fill as an incoming Alberta senator.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
