Patrick Brazeau made headlines in 2008 when, at just 34 years of age, he became the youngest person ever to be called to the Senate. For the past four years he’s managed to stay in the headlines, although not for the right reasons.
On Thursday, he was ousted from Harper’s Conservative caucus – the same party that placed him in the Senate. And with the possibility of criminal charges looming in the near future, there’s a chance Brazeau could get booted from the Red Chamber, too.
In the meantime, Global News reflects on the controversial past of Canada’s youngest Senator.
2004 – 2008
Patrick Brazeau lists Daryl Tenasoco’s mailing address when filing tax returns. Tenasco, Brazeau’s father-in-law, lives on the Kitigan Zibi First Nation in Quebec. Brazeau received aboriginal income tax exemption for four years.
Tenasaco says he was ‘not aware’ of Brazeau’s actions. He was receiving a six-figure salary at the time while working for the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP).
Feb 10, 2004/December 10, 2004
Brazeau misses child support payments for his son. His son’s mother, Dena Buckshot, says that as of 2008 she was receiving around $100 a month in child support.
More on Canada
2007 – 2008
Time period during which two female CAP workers allege Brazeau sexually harassed them. Brazeau was the national Chief of the CAP at the time.
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Nov. 2008
Patrick Brazeau is re-elected to another four-year term as chief of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples.
Dec. 2008
Patrick Brazeau is called to the Senate by Stephen Harper. At 34, he is the youngest person ever appointed. He attempts to keep his six-figure salary at the CAP; as a senator, he receives a base salary of $130, 400.
January 2009
Brazeau resigns from the CAP after the media learns that a former CAP employee has filed a human rights claim against him for alleged sexual harassment.
Sept. 11, 2009
The Congress of Aboriginal Peoples must pay back hundreds of thousands of claimed expenses from 2004 to 2006 that are deemed ineligible by federal audits. CAP members say Brazeau, who assumed responsibility for the CAP’s finances in 2005, was to blame.
Feb. 8, 2011
A Chiefs of Ontario letter signed by nine chiefs claims Brazeau is not a legitimate representative of First Nations peoples in Canada.
March 31, 2012
Justin Trudeau fells Patrick Brazeau in a “Fight for the Cure” charity boxing match. Brazeau goes down in a third round TKO.
June 26, 2012
Patrick Brazeau takes to Twitter to call National Post journalist a “b****” after she reveals he has the lowest attendance record for that session of parliament.
Nov 20, 2012
Media release reports that the Senate board of internal economy will investigate a $21,000 housing allowance claim by Brazeau. Senators living more than 100 km outside of Ottawa can claim the allowance. Brazeau lives in a rented home in Gatineau, QC, but claimed his father’s Maniwaki, Que. home as his primary residence – which is 135 km outside of the capital.
January 31, 2012
Patrick Brazeau is caught on tape mocking Attawapiskat Chief Theresa Spence’s weight. Spence was in the midst of a hunger strike as part of the Idle No More protest.
February 6, 2013
Patrick Brazeau’s questionable tax return practices revealed by CTV journalist Robert Fife.
February 7, 2013
Patrick Brazeau calls Robert Fife a ‘racist’ on Twitter.
February 7, 2013
Patrick Brazeau is arrested in Gatineau, QC following a report of domestic violence. He is kicked out of the conservative caucus, but remains in the Senate as an independent.
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