News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW PRIVY COUNCILLOR

January 22, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointment of Senator Daniel Hays of Alberta, as a Privy Councillor.

“I am pleased to appoint Senator Dan Hays as a Privy Councillor for his many years of service to the country,” said the Prime Minister. “He has served his province and his country with dedication.”

Born in 1939, Senator Daniel Hays has had a long and outstanding career in public life. Mr. Daniel Hays was appointed as a Liberal Senator by Prime Minister Trudeau in June 1984, was appointed Speaker of the Senate in 2001 and he was chosen Leader of the Opposition in the Senate in 2006.

Senator Hays is married and has three children. He is a life-long resident of southern Alberta.

Biographical notes attached.


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Hon. Dan Hays

Following his five-year term as Speaker of the Senate, the Honourable Dan Hays was appointed Leader of the Opposition in the Upper Chamber in February of 2006, serving in this position until January 17, 2007.

Born in Calgary on April 24, 1939, Senator Hays holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and English from the University of Alberta (1962), and an LL.B. from the University of Toronto (1965). Called to the Bar of Alberta in 1966, Senator Hays then joined Macleod Dixon, chairing the firm’s executive committee for several years. He remains an associate of the firm to this day. Involved in the cattle industry since 1957, Senator Hays continues to maintain a herd of Hays Converter cattle.

Appointed to the Senate in 1984 by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Senator Hays has served on and chaired various committees. In 1999, he was appointed Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate, and in 2001 Prime Minister Chrétien appointed him Speaker of the Upper House. The Honourable Dan Hays has also served as President of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Senator Hays’ various professional and parliamentary responsibilities have taken him to every corner of Canada, as well as around the world. This experience has given him a profound sense of how the Canadian government works, as well as a first-hand appreciation of the respect our country enjoys on the world stage. He is quick to encourage young Canadians to see the nation and world for themselves, to become involved in public life, and to continue to build on our cherished traditions and values.

An avid reader and dedicated patron of the arts, Senator Hays’ favourite pastimes and interests include downhill skiing, horseback riding and films. He lives in Calgary with his wife, Kathy.

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