The Canadian Scene
New Clerk of the House of Commons
On December 18, 2023, Eric Janse was appointed the new Clerk of the House of Commons. Mr. Janse had been serving as Acting Clerk since February 2023, following the retirement of former Clerk Charles Robert.
Of the appointment, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said: “Mr. Janse is a dedicated public servant with a proven track record of providing reliable, non-partisan advice. I am confident that he will continue to be a valuable asset in helping uphold the integrity of the House of Commons and ensuring the efficiency of its proceedings.”
Born and raised in Edmonton, Mr. Janse holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from the University of Alberta.
Beginning in 1992, Mr. Janse has worked in a variety of capacities in Procedural Services, including Clerk Assistant of Committees and Legislative Services, Clerk Assistant and Director General of International and Interparliamentary Affairs (IIA), and Principal Clerk of IIA. In addition to handling assignments as Procedural Clerk and Deputy Principal Clerk, Mr. Janse served as Deputy Clerk, Procedure. He has been a Table Officer since 1998.
Mr. Janse is credited with playing a pivotal role in transitioning committees to hybrid proceedings during the pandemic and was instrumental in developing Parliament’s international program.
New Senate Clerk and Clerk of the Parliaments
Shaila Anwar was appointed as the new Clerk of the Senate and Clerk of the Parliaments effective May 6, 2024, by the Governor in Council – the Governor General acting on the advice of Cabinet.
“Ms. Anwar is an exceptional public servant with a deep understanding of the Senate and the legislative process,” Prime Minister Trudeau said. “I am confident that, with her expertise and experience, she will make the Red Chamber work even better for Canadians.”
As Clerk, Ms. Anwar will manage the Senate’s day-to-day operations and support all aspects of the legislative process. As Clerk of the Parliaments, she will also ensure the stewardship of some of Canada’s most important legal archives.
Born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Ms. Anwar was raised and educated in Ottawa, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from Carleton University.
A trusted public servant with extensive experience and expertise on Senate procedures and practices, Ms. Anwar joined the Senate Committees Directorate in 2007 as a Procedural Clerk. Her subsequent roles included Deputy Principal Clerk, Principal Clerk of the Senate Committees Directorate, and Clerk Assistant of the Senate Committees Directorate.
An avid sports fan, for four years, Ms. Anwar also co-hosted “That’s What She Said,” on TSN 1200. The sports-centred radio show focused on Ottawa’s NHL and CFL teams, the Senators and Redblacks, respectively.