Widow of Former Sask MP Named to Senate

A woman who has worked hard on mental health awareness since her husband's suicide has been appointed to the Senate.

On Friday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper revealed the names of five new senators, hand-picked to fill vacancies in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador.

"I thank Prime Minister Harper for this amazing opportunity to serve my province and my country," says Denise Batters. "It's just an amazing, thrilling experience for a dream to come true."

The experienced lawyer, senior figure in Saskatchewan's Crown Investments Corporation and mental health advocate is the widow of Dave Batters, a former MP for the Palliser constituency who took his own life in 2009.  Since that time, Batters has worked to raise funds for mental health and suicide prevention.

"I'm looking forward to working with the Harper government on creating jobs, growth and economic prosperity and I look forward to continuing to work for my province and community," she said.

In addition to Senator Batters, Doug Black fills the vacancy in Alberta, Lynn Beyak and Victor Oh are new senators for Ontario and David Wells will now represent Newfoundland and Labrador.

Noting that he looks forward to working with them, Prime Minister Harper says all appointees are remarkable Canadians who have distinguished themselves in their respective pursuits.

"Their collective experience and dedication are most welcome as our Government continues to work on addressing the needs and expectations of Canadians from coast to coast to coast."

All appointees have pledged to support the government in its efforts to make the Senate more democratic and accountable, including legislation to limit the term lengths of senators and encouraging a democratic process to select nominees for appointment to the Senate.