About Committee Membership
Committees are at the core of the Senate's work. They are recognized for their major contribution to legislation and public policy. Committees were called "the heart and soul of the Senate" by Senator Muriel McQueen Fergusson, the first woman Speaker of the Senate, because of their focus on social, economic and political issues.
You can learn more about committees on the Senate of Canada website.
Senator Deacon is currently a member of the Banking, Commerce and the Economy (BANC) committee, the Fisheries and Oceans committee (POFO) and the Audit and Oversight committee (AOVS).
Senator Deacon also served previously as Deputy Chair of the Agriculture and Forestry (AGFO) committee, and as a member of the Standing Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets, and Administration (CIBA) and of the National Finance (NFFN) committees.
AUDIT AND OVERSIGHT
For the purposes of integrity, independence, transparency and accountability, the Standing Committee on Audit and Oversight (AOVS) is authorized on its own initiative to supervise and report on the Senate’s internal and external audits and other related matters, and to report at least annually to the Senate with its observations and recommendations.
The committee’s mandate is focused on the internal operations of the institution and therefore plays an important role in the Senate’s right to self-governance.
In June 2022, the AOVS presented the Senate Audit and Oversight Charter, which sets out the governance, administrative practices and responsibilities of the committee. This document came into effect on June 23, 2022.
As one of four senators on the AOVS Committee, Senator Deacon seeks to enhance the operational efficiency, reputation, and performance of the institution to lead by example and better serve all Canadians.
BANKING, COMMERCE AND THE ECONOMY
The Standing Senate Committee on Banking, Commerce and the Economy (formerly known as Banking, Trade and Commerce) has the mandate to examine legislation and to study issues related to banking, insurance, trust and loan companies, credit societies, caisses populaires and small loans companies. Senator Deacon is also responsible for considering customs and excise issues, taxation legislation, patents, royalties, corporate affairs, and bankruptcy-related issues.
The committee has conducted major studies in areas as diverse as corporate governance, financial sector reform, insolvency, Crown corporations, taxation, business and trade, productivity, financial crimes and retirement.
As a member of the BANC Committee, Senator Deacon is committed to pursuing whole-of-government approaches to unlock innovation, productivity growth, and investment in Canada's economy.
FISHERIES AND OCEANS
The Standing Senate Committee on Fisheries and Oceans (POFO) mandate is to study issues relating to fisheries and oceans generally.
Among others, it is particularly interested in the management of oceans, aquatic resources and fisheries, aquatic life and ecosystems, the fishing industry and the safety of waterways. The committee is also interested in the federal government’s current and evolving framework for managing Canada’s fisheries and oceans.