CALGARY – High River businessman Scott Tannas has been named to the Senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Tannas finished second in last year’s Alberta Senate nominee election behind Doug Black, who was appointed to the red chamber in January.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of a remarkable Canadian to the Senate of Canada,” said Harper in a news release.
“Our government welcomes the fact that Mr. Tannas was selected by the people of Alberta to represent them in the Upper House.”
Tannas is the CEO of insurance firm Western Financial Group. He replaces Bert Brown, who reached the mandatory retirement age of 75 last Friday.
With Brown’s retirement and Tannas’ appointment, Alberta continues to have three of its six senators selected in provincially-sponsored votes: Tannas, Black and Betty Unger.
Alberta Premier Alison Redford released a statement in response to the announcement.
“When Albertans chose Scott Tannas as their Senate nominee during last year’s provincial election, they chose a person with great moral character, a finely tuned business acumen and strong values.
“We are extremely pleased that the Prime Minister followed the wishes of Albertans and recognized these characteristics in appointing a very fine Albertan and Canadian to the Upper House.”
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