By Andrew Macdonald
Allister Surette, a former Liberal MLA and cabinet minister in the government of John Savage, has been appointed to the Senate of Canada.
Surette was been appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to replaces Jane Cordy, who retired in November from the Senate at age 74. The Senate mandatory retirement age is 75.
Trudeau said Surette is a respected leader and executive with over 30 years of experience in education, politics, and governance. From 1993 to 1998, he was a member of the Legislative Assembly of Nova Scotia and held several portfolios within cabinet during that time.
“He has long been a champion of Canada’s francophone and Acadian communities,” added Trudeau. With the Surette announcement, there now have been 90 appointments to the Senate by the Prime Minister.
From 2011 to 2024, Surette was president and vice-chancellor of Université Sainte-Anne in Church Point.
Born and raised in West Pubnico, Surette began his career as a science and mathematics teacher. In 1993, he was elected to the Nova Scotia legislature, representing the riding of Argyle.
During his political career, over the course of five years, he held a number of important portfolios, including Minister responsible for the Office of Acadian Affairs, Minister of Human Resources, and Deputy House Leader.
After leaving politics, Surette returned to the world of education, serving as president and CEO of the Collège de l’Acadie from 1998 to 2003. He then played a key role in the modernization and development of Université Sainte-Anne, where he served for eight years as VP, development and partnerships. In 2011, he was appointed as the university’s president, a position he held until earlier last year.
Surette graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Dalhousie University and a Bachelor of Education (Honours) from Saint Mary’s University.
