Prime Minister Announces Appointment of First Woman Usher of the Senate

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced the appointment of Mary McLaren as Usher of the Senate, effective November 10, 1997. Ms. McLaren becomes the first woman to be appointed to this position of great symbolic and historical importance, which dates back to 1867 in Canada.

She succeeds Colonel Jean Doré who retired from the position of Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod on June 28, 1997. The Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank Colonel Doré for his dedicated service during almost seven years in the position.

The Usher of the Senate is responsible for continuing and maintaining a 500 year old tradition as the personal attendant and messenger of the sovereign, or Her representative. In addition to playing a role in supervising the opening of Parliament, the Usher also fills a number of important administrative responsibilities in the Senate.

Since March 1997, Ms. McLaren has held the position of Director of Strategic Human Resource Analysis in the Office of the Assistant Deputy Minister (Personnel) at the Department of National Defence.

There will be a photo opportunity with Ms. McLaren and the Honourable Gildas Molgat, Speaker of the Senate, at 11:45 a.m. in the Senate foyer.

(Biographical note attached.)

PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555

Date of Birth: July 1950

Education: Bachelor of Applied Science, University of Guelph

Professional Experience:

March 1997 to Present
Director of Strategic Human Resource Analysis, ADM (Personnel), Department of National Defence

March 1996 - March 1997
Director of Civilian Human Resources Engineering, ADM (Personnel), Department of National Defence

February 1995 - March 1996
Core Team Member of the Management, Command and Control Reengineering Team, Department of National Defence

June 1994 - January 1995
Core Team Member of the Material Group Reengineering Team, Department of National Defence

October 1992 - May 1994
Director of Procurement and Supply Resource Management, Department of National Defence

January 1992 - September 1992
National Procurement Manager, Directorate of Supply Land, Department of National Defence

December 1990 - December 1991
Capital Procurement Manager, Directorate of Procurement and Supply Electronics, Department of National Defence

August 1989 - November 1990
Senior Analyst, Administrative Policy Branch, Treasury Board Secretariat

September 1988 - July 1989
Senior Contracts Officer, Supply and Services Canada