Quebec Senator Richard Martel has returned to the Opposition caucus by aligning with the Conservative Senate group, as announced by Senate Opposition leader Leo Housakos. Martel, who was appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Mark Carney in July, had not previously disclosed his Senate group affiliation. Expressing his contentment, Martel emphasized his eagerness to collaborate with his Conservative peers on the national security, defense, and veterans affairs committee.
Martel’s transition triggered a byelection in his former Chicoutimi-Le Fjord riding, which the Liberals secured in August, bolstering their representation in the House of Commons. Upon commencing their term, all new senators enter the upper chamber as Independents and typically align with a Senate group a few weeks later.
