Smith accuses Ottawa of ignoring Alberta's interests with Albertan senate picks
CTV
Two Albertans were appointed as independent senators Saturday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, prompting backlash from the premier.
Two Albertans were appointed as independent senators Saturday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Kristopher Wells and Daryl Fridhandler were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and selected using a merit-based process open to all Canadians.
The appointments were made to fill vacancies in the Senate.
Wells is an educator, scientific expert and 2SLGBTQ+ community champion who has promoted diversity, equity and human rights in Alberta and across country.
He started his career in the public school system in St. Albert, and worked as a diversity consultant for Edmonton public schools, helping develop the first standalone sexual orientation and gender identity school board policy in Western Canada.
He is the editor-in-chief of the international Journal of LGBT Youth and co-created Pride Tape, which was adopted by every team in the NHL.
Wells has served on numerous community organizations and boards, including the Society for Safe and Caring Schools and Communities, REACH Edmonton, the Alberta Hate Crimes Committee, and the LGBTQ2+ National Monument Committee.