Alberta Senator Doug Black set to retire, cites respect for term limits

Elected Alberta Senator Doug Black announced his retirement from the Canadian Senate, effective October 31. "I’ve done this not because I’m tired, not because I don’t love the challenge, not because I don’t welcome representing Albertans everyday," he said in a statement. "I’ve done it because I believe in term limits for senators."

"The issues that I believe in, which is prosperity for Albertans, opportunities for the younger generations, and building Alberta 2.0, I’m remaining committed to. I will continue my work to ensure [the next] generations have the same opportunities in this province that I did."

Black led the charge in the Senate against Bills C-69 (No More Pipelines Bill) 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."

After serving close to a decade in the public eye, Black said it was time to give someone else a chance. He served as a Senator-in-Waiting from April 23, 2012, and was later appointed to the Senate officially by then Prime Minister Stephen Harper the following January.

"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 and outlined a seven-point plan for Senate Reform. It aimed at increasing Senate transparency and bolstering its function. He also helped create an audit and oversight committee with external members.

Black maintained two-way dialogue with Albertans and the federal government on relevant issues during the Senate and ensured critical investments in mental health, rural broadband, and Alberta innovation, according to the statement.

"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."

Kenney added: "Doug is a good example of Alberta’s model of electing Senate nominees. He won 429,000 votes in the 2012 Senate election, and was appointed to the Senate the next year."

Alberta is in the middle of another Senator-in-Waiting election held simultaneously with municipal elections on October 18.

"Senator Black has served Albertans with honesty and integrity," said Senator and former Banff Mayor Karen 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."

Governor General Mary Simon picked Sorenson for the Senate, despite incredible opposition from the premier. He denounced the federal government in late-July for the hand-pick selection before Alberta’s Senate elections. Kenney said the federal government showed "contempt for democracy in Alberta."