A resident of the Quad Counties says she’s had a great life and wonderful career, and there’s a lot of challenges and opportunities to help our province, country, and world.
Mary Coyle says that’s why she applied for a Senate appointment in January.
She says putting in work for women and Indigenous people, maintaining provincial prominence and focusing on environmental issues such as climate change are some of the things she hopes to accomplish.
Coyle tells The Hawk she’s ready for the role.
“I thought that working in the Senate of Canada would be such an enriching thing for me,” she says. “I’m hoping- and plan- to be somebody who’s there for my fellow Nova Scotians, for my fellow Canadians.”
Coyle says she was honoured to receive the call from Justin Trudeau Dec. 2; she knew it was a senior member of government, but was shocked to hear from Trudeau.
She says she’s worked at StFX for 21 years, and she’ll try to remain with the university in some capacity.
Coyle says she’ll be able to rely on a strong network, including officials with the university’s political science department.
“That’s one thing- it’s a good lesson, how to work with people and make sure that everybody’s best talents are brought to the table,” she says. “I look forward in the Senate to working with other talented people together on these sorts of important issues.”
Coyle says the Governor-General Julie Payette signed the document Dec. 4; she became a senator at that moment, but will be officially sworn-in Wednesday.