Stripping former senators of 'honourable' title could be an unprecedented move

Senators voted last week in favour of stripping certain former members of their "honourable" title, a move that — if the Governor General follows through — could be unprecedented.

A motion in the upper chamber, which passed Wednesday, asks Gov. Gen. Mary Simon to take the title away from former senators convicted of indictable offences.

It calls on Simon specifically to take the title from former senator Don Meredith, who was charged with three counts of sexual assault in October and has previously been the subject of a number of Senate ethics committee probes —  one of which recommended he be expelled due to his relationship with a teenage girl.

Meredith, a Pentecostal minister, was appointed to the Senate by former prime minister Stephen Harper in 2010. He resigned in May 2017 before he could be expelled, allowing him to keep his "honourable" title.

A spokesperson for the Privy Council Office (PCO) says the office is "not aware of any instances of former ministers or senators losing the right to use the title 'Honourable.'"

Meredith has a title that only a few Canadians can legally use. The title of "honourable" is given to senators — and members of the King's Privy Council, such as cabinet ministers — for life.

There are six categories of people in Canada who can use the title:

By virtue of his former position, Meredith retains certain parliamentary privileges, such as being permitted to attend state ceremonies.

At least one of his privileges has been rescinded already. Former senators generally enjoy barrier-free access to Parliament Hill.

But a spokesperson for the Senate's committee on internal economy, budgets and administration confirmed the Senate revoked Meredith's access in February 2018 and "advised him accordingly."

CBC asked the Governor General's office if Simon would follow through on the Senate's request to strip Meredith of his title. A spokesperson deferred to the government.

"This is an issue for the government to consider. The Governor General acts on the advice of the government," the spokesperson said in an email.

CBC asked the Prime Minister's Office if the government would advise Simon to strip Meredith of his title. A spokesperson for Government House Leader Mark Holland replied, saying the government wouldn't comment because Meredith's case is still before the courts.

But Sen. Josée Verner, who introduced the motion, said the criminal charges have no bearing on the Senate's decision.