Claude Carignan: A Comprehensive Guide

About Claude Carignan

Claude Carignan is a Canadian politician, lawyer, and entrepreneur. He served as a member of the Senate of Canada from 2009 to 2017, representing Quebec. Prior to his political career, Carignan worked as a lawyer and founded a successful law firm in Montreal.

Political Career

Carignan was appointed to the Senate of Canada by Prime Minister Stephen Harper in December 2008. He served as the Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate from 2011 to 2013, and as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate from 2013 to 2015. He was also a member of various Senate committees, including the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence.

Accomplishments

Advocated for stricter penalties for sexual offences against children
Proposed a bill to strengthen Canada’s anti-terrorism laws
Pushed for reforms to Canada’s military justice system
Advocated for the rights of Quebec’s anglophone minority

Controversies

In 2013, Carignan was criticized for using a private jet owned by a mining company to attend a Conservative Party fundraiser. He later reimbursed the company for the cost of the flight. He was also criticized for his handling of the Senate expenses scandal, which led to his resignation as Leader of the Opposition in the Senate in 2015.

Personal Life

Carignan was born in La Tuque, Quebec, in 1954. He holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the Université Laval and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the Université du Québec à Montréal. He is married and has four children.