A Windsor pediatrician is now a Senator.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced three independent appointees to fill vacancies in the upper chamber for Ontario this week.
"I know that their rich experiences, diverse perspectives, and passion for public service will help them be strong voices for all Ontarians," said Trudeau.
Doctor Sharon Burey emigrated to Canada from Jamaica in 1976 and has practiced as a behavioural pediatrician for over three decades. Since 2009, she has been an adjunct professor of pediatrics at Western University and was the first President of the Pediatric Alliance of Ontario who is a woman of colour.
Burey has dedicated her career to advocating for those living in poverty, visible minorities, and other marginalized communities. She founded Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Awareness Windsor and is a member of the Pediatrician Ontario Executive Committee and the Ontario Medical Association.
Windsor Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk expressed excitement about her appointment to the Senate.
"This is a historic appointment for Canada and for Windsor," he said. "[Burey is] a strong, respected, and leading voice in children's health, and a voice that understands our community's concerns."
Trudeau also announced the appointment of public policy expert, Toronto Star columnist and artist Andrew Cardozo, and Rear-Admiral Rebecca Patterson to the Senate.
Trudeau has made 66 independent appointments to the Senate since 2015.