Raymonde Saint-Germain


Raymonde Saint-Germain is a Canadian public servant and an independent member of the Senate of Canada. At the time of her appointment, Saint Germain was the Quebec ombudsperson. She was nominated for appointment to the Senate on November 2, 2016 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Saint-Germain assumed her office on November 25, 2016.

Biography

Education

In 1973, she obtained a bachelor's degree in journalism and information from Laval University. She then continued her studies in 1983 at the National School of Public Administration, in the Master's program in International Management. Raymonde Saint-Germain also holds a Certificate for Ombudsman at the Osgoode Hall Law School of York University.

Quebec public service

Quebec Ombudsperson

From 2006 to 2016, Raymonde Saint-Germain served as Québec Ombudsperson for two consecutive five-year terms. For each of her mandates, she was unanimously appointed by the members of the National Assembly of Quebec. Before her departure from this position, the National Assembly adopted a unanimous motion commending her exceptional contribution and excellence in fulfilling her mandates as Quebec Ombudsperson.

Senate of Canada

Senator Saint-Germain is currently a member of the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade and of the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration. She also chairs the Subcommittee on Human Resources.
Senator Saint-Germain has also served on the Standing Senate Committee on National Security and Defence and on the Standing Senate Committee on Transport and Communications.
In 2018, Senator Saint-Germain sponsored, in the Senate, Bill C-47 An Act to amend the Export and Import Permits Act and the Criminal Code. This bill, which sought Canada's accession to the Arms Trade Treaty, was introduced by Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland in the wake of popular outrage over the sale of light armored vehicles by General Dynamics to Saudi Arabia. The bill was passed on December 13, 2018.
As Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Resources, she tabled a report in February 2019 on the modernization of the Senate's anti-harassment policy.

Other activities