The president and CEO of Port Saint John has been named one of Canada’s newest Senators.
Jim Quinn was one of three independent Senate appointments announced Tuesday by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Prior to joining Port Saint John in 2010, Quinn spent 32 years working in senior roles with the Canadian Coast Guard and other federal government departments.
He currently serves as Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel for the 3rd Field Artillery Regiment (The Loyal Company), 5th Canadian Division,
Quinn said he learned of the appointment Friday and had a 15-minute conversation with the prime minister.
“Pretty surreal. Ecstatic. Honoured. It’s something I would have never expected in my career,” Quinn said in a phone interview Tuesday.
Quinn said he was first approached about submitting his name 18 months ago but declined because he was too busy at the port.
When approached again a year ago, he agreed after a longtime mentor gave him a little push.
Quinn said it was hard to keep the secret, adding the response since it became public Tuesday afternoon has been incredible.
“The Senators that have reached out have been so welcoming. I have nothing but the utmost respect for the public service. The folks involved in this process have been stellar. They have done a wonderful job. They have been so helpful,” Quinn said.
Quinn will be sworn in virtually and expects there may be some sort of orientation over the summer before getting to work in his new role this fall.
As for leaving Port Saint John, where he has worked for the past decade, Quinn said it is in “excellent hands.”
Quinn and the two other appointees — Bernadette Clement and Hassan Yussuff — will fill vacancies in New Brunswick and Ontario.
All three were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using a merit-based process.
There have been 55 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Senators are responsible for examining and revising legislation, investigating national issues, and representing regional, provincial and minority interests.
With files from Brad Perry.
Bernadette Clement, James Quinn, and Hassan Yussuff have dedicated their careers – as public servants and community leaders – to serving others. Today, they have been appointed to the Senate, where I know they’ll continue to make a difference. More here: https://t.co/77ExEkiYfL
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 22, 2021
Congratulations to @JimQuinnPSJ on his appointment as New Brunswick’s newest member of the Senate of Canada. He will make an excellent ambassador for NB and greater Saint John area with his many years of experience and knowledge in the marine industry. @SenateCA pic.twitter.com/0UbXxPZc9L
— Bernard Cormier (@BernardCormier) June 22, 2021
