OTTAWA – The Canadian Senate is in mourning following the passing of Ian Shugart, a respected Ontario senator and former top public servant. Shugart, who served in the public service for over four decades, including as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, was appointed to the Senate in September 2022 by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Regrettably, Shugart passed away at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy of dedicated service and expertise.
As the highest-ranking member of the public service, Shugart played a crucial role in bridging the gap between the government and its ministers. Throughout his career, he held positions as deputy minister for the federal environment, employment, and foreign-affairs departments. Shugart’s wealth of experience in health, environment, social development, and foreign affairs made him a valuable asset to the Senate.
His passing has deeply saddened his colleagues, with Sen. Marc Gold, the government’s representative in the Senate, expressing his condolences. Gold emphasized Shugart’s illustrious career and highlighted the significant impact he made throughout his time in Canada’s civil service. His time in the Senate followed an illustrious career in Canada’s civil service, including serving as Clerk of the Privy Council and Secretary to the Cabinet, Gold said. His wealth of experience in health, environment, social development, and foreign affairs will be missed. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
The Speaker of the Senate has announced that the Senate will hold a moment of silence to honor Shugart before adjourning for the day. This gesture serves as a testament to his contributions and the respect he garnered from his peers.
Ian Shugart’s passing marks a significant loss for the Canadian Senate and the nation as a whole. His expertise and dedication to public service will be remembered fondly, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of public servants. As the country mourns the loss of a remarkable individual, it is essential to acknowledge his achievements and the impact he made during his esteemed career.
