The Speakers of the Senate of Canada

Hon. Leo Housakos
B.A. (2015)

A well-known leader in Montreal’s business and Hellenic cultural communities, Leo Housakos became involved in public service at a young age.

He graduated from McGill University with a B.A. in political science and history, and soon became active in Canada’s political, community service and business sectors. He worked for the Minister of Multiculturalism and the Mayor of Montreal, and ran as a candidate for the House of Commons in the Laval West riding in 2000. He also held the positions of President of Terreau Inc., President of Quadvision International, Vice-President of Constant Laboratories, and Director of VIA Rail. His community service includes charity work with children with autism and two terms as Vice-President of the Hellenic Congress of Quebec.

Housakos was appointed to the Senate on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper on December 22, 2008, to represent the senatorial division of Wellington in Quebec.

Following his election as Speaker pro tempore in December 2014, Housakos was appointed Speaker of the Senate on May 4, 2015, with the unanimous support of the Government and Opposition Leaders.

During his mandate as Speaker, Housakos seized the opportunity to build a more transparent, efficient and accountable institution by increasing spending oversight and implementing new rules and procedures surrounding modernization and disclosure. He was also at the helm of a complete transformation of the Senate’s Communications Directorate, improving the way in which the Senate and Senators communicate with Canadians.

Housakos continued these efforts as Chair of the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration as well as the Subcommittee on Communications. He also served in various capacities on the Senate standing committees on Energy, the Environment and Natural Resources; Foreign Affairs and International Trade; Rules, Procedures and the Rights of Parliament; and Transport and Communications.

An active member of Quebec’s Greek community, Housakos co-founded the Hellenic Board of Trade.

Next Speaker: Hon. George J. Furey

Previous Speaker: Hon. Pierre Claude Nolin

© Library of Parliament  |  Revised: 2011-12

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