February 01, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Paul Martin today issued the following statement regarding the selection of Senator Dan Hays as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate:

“I am pleased to endorse the consensus reached today by the Senate caucus that Senator Dan Hays should serve as their Leader.

“Senator Hays has served both as the Speaker of the Senate and the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate.

“His strong roots in the west – in Calgary and ranching – have distinguished his contribution to government. He has also been a long-time advocate for Canada’s close ties with Japan, serving as chair of the Canada-Japan Inter-Parliamentary Group and the Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum. He is one of only two Canadians to be awarded the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Sacred Treasure by the Emperor of Japan.

“I join Dan’s colleagues in the Senate in welcoming him to his new role. The Liberal Party in opposition and indeed all Canadians could not be better served.

“I would also like to express my thanks to Senator Jack Austin for his distinguished term as the Leader of the Government in the Senate – a highpoint in a long career as a champion of Liberal values.”