Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the appointment of his senior adviser Tom Pitfield and Conservative MP Richard Martel to the Senate, marking a significant shift in the upper house's composition.

This decision ends the non-partisan appointment process established under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, which prioritized independent senators.

Carney's move to include a sitting Conservative MP signals a return to partisan influence in the Senate, which has historically aimed to minimize political bias.

Martel's appointment creates a vacancy in a competitive Quebec riding, raising questions about his potential role in the Senate as a Conservative.

The government's decision to abandon the non-partisan criteria reflects a broader effort to reshape the Senate's structure, with the Prime Minister's Office emphasizing the need for 'strong, effective and focused representatives.

' Critics argue that the Trudeau-era reforms diluted the Senate's political role, while supporters claim the shift will enhance legislative scrutiny.The new appointments also include other notable figures, such as Dr.Rodney Ouellette and Geeta Tucker, further altering the Senate's demographic and political landscape.