Senate motion to strip ‘Honourable’ title could affect at least two former senators

At least two former senators could be stripped of the title of “Honourable” following a motion the upper chamber passed Tuesday.

Former senator Don Meredith, who is facing criminal charges for sexual assault and harassment, was the impetus for a motion that passed in the Senate Tuesday.

But the motion also calls for former senators who have already been convicted of a crime to also lose the title, which senators normally carry for life.

That likely applies to Raymond Lavigne, a former Quebec senator who served time for fraud.

It’s ultimately up to Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to determine whether anyone does lose the title.

Her office did not immediately respond to a request for comment when asked how Simon will proceed, and Lavigne could not be reached Wednesday for comment.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov., 30, 2022.