ABOUT SENATOR PLETT
Senator Don Plett has dedicated much of his life to community service in his home province of Manitoba. As a Red River College alumnus, Senator Plett served on the Board of Governors of the College. An active sports enthusiast, he has coached and played hockey, basketball, and golf and was President of the Landmark Minor Hockey Association.
Senator Plett cut his teeth early in politics on the advice of his father, Archie, and served on a local EDA board at the young age of fifteen, helping his local Member of Parliament, the Honourable Jake Epp. He maintained an active interest in politics throughout the years, including serving as the President of the Conservative Party of Canada. He remains the longest-serving president of a conservative party in Canadian history. He also served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Village Council, and Chair of the local Utilities Board. Senator Plett and his wife Betty have four sons and twelve grandchildren.
Senator Plett was appointed to the Senate on August 27, 2009, on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. Senator Plett is known for taking a strong stance on issues that he is passionate about, some of which include: the protection of children, supporting Canadian farmers, religious freedom, free speech, fair democratic processes, and issues facing the trades and construction industry.
In December 2015, Senator Plett became part of the Senate Conservative leadership team, when he was named Opposition Whip in the Senate. In November 2019, Senator Plett was elected Leader of the Opposition in the Senate.