Independent senator joins Conservative caucus a day after Carney appointed ally
Posted: Wed Jul 08, 2026 4:56 pm
An Independent senator has crossed the floor to join the Conservative caucus, and it happened one day after Prime Minister Mark Carney appointed Richard Martel — a former Conservative MP — to the Senate as an “Independent.”
Carney appointed Richard Martel, a long‑time Conservative MP, to the Senate on July 7, 2026. Martel is officially listed as an Independent senator, despite his Conservative background.
Carney also appointed Tom Pitfield, his principal secretary and a major Liberal strategist, likewise as an Independent.
These moves represent a major shift away from Trudeau‑era nonpartisan Senate appointments, reintroducing partisan actors into the chamber.
The Conservatives gain another caucus member in the Senate, improving their ability to coordinate legislative strategy.
Carney’s attempt to appoint “Independents” who are actually partisan figures is being interpreted by some senators as a signal that the chamber is returning to overt partisanship.
Carney appointed Richard Martel, a long‑time Conservative MP, to the Senate on July 7, 2026. Martel is officially listed as an Independent senator, despite his Conservative background.
Carney also appointed Tom Pitfield, his principal secretary and a major Liberal strategist, likewise as an Independent.
These moves represent a major shift away from Trudeau‑era nonpartisan Senate appointments, reintroducing partisan actors into the chamber.
The Conservatives gain another caucus member in the Senate, improving their ability to coordinate legislative strategy.
Carney’s attempt to appoint “Independents” who are actually partisan figures is being interpreted by some senators as a signal that the chamber is returning to overt partisanship.