Dryden’s Lynn Beyak is leaving the Red Chamber.
Beyak has announced her retirement from the Senate effective today (Monday).
In a statement, Beyak said her decision to leave is aligned with former prime minister Stephen Harper’s intent of having senators hold their positions in the upper chamber for eight years.
She stated “A promise made, a promise kept. I intend to honour my commitment.”
Beyak was suspended from the Senate two times over letters posted to her website many felt were racist concerning residential schools.
It was recommended by the Senate’s ethics committee that she be reinstated after completing anti-racism training and issuing an apology, but a motion was filed last month that could have resulted in expulsion.
In her retirement announcement Beyak said:
“The opportunity to serve all Canadians-and especially those people whose voices often don’t get heard-is an honour and a privilege I treasure.
Some have criticized me for stating that the good, as well as the bad, of residential schools should be recognized. I stand by that statement. Others have criticized me for stating that the Truth and Reconciliation Report was not as balanced as it should be. I stand by that statement as well. And finally, I have been criticized for offering concerned Canadians a space to comment critically about the Indian Act. My statements and the resulting posts were never meant to offend anyone, and I continue to believe that Indigenous issues are so important to all of us that a frank and honest conversation about them is vital. Cross country polls indicate that a vast majority of Canadians, over 60%, Indigenous and non alike, believe that the billions of dollars spent, show little success. With good will to all, I stand by the need to have that conversation.
I am especially proud of legislative contributions to Canada made during my 8 years in office, such as Bills C-501, C-61 and C-42, the Common Sense Firearms Licencing Act, recognized Internationallly, which I sponsored on behalf of the House of Commons, with consensus through the Senate to Royal Assent. Immeasurable hours of committee work with my colleagues have resulted in the addition of twelve Senate of Canada reports, respected around the world and often recognized in courts and legislatures. I pledge to continue my work, outside the Chamber, in the best interest of all Canadians.”
