Fernand Robichaud (born December 2, 1939) is a Canadian public figure best known for his service as an elected Member of Parliament and later as a Senator. He represented a constituency in New Brunswick and was affiliated with the Liberal Party of Canada. His career illustrates common practices in Canadian politics, including by-elections and the appointment of party stalwarts to the upper chamber.

Overview and political alignment

Robichaud built a political profile within the federal Liberal party and served in both chambers of the federal Parliament. As an elected representative he sat in the House of Commons of Canada for the riding of Beauséjour. Later he was named to the Senate of Canada, where he represented the senatorial division of Saint-Louis-de-Kent, New Brunswick. Throughout his federal career he is identified with the national Liberal party and the political traditions of that grouping.

Notable episodes and parliamentary practice

One of the most widely reported moments in Robichaud's career occurred in 1990, when he vacated his House of Commons seat to allow the newly elected national leader of the Liberal caucus, Jean Chrétien, to enter Parliament through a by-election. This practice — facilitating a party leader's entry into the chamber by holding a by-election in a seat made available by a sitting member — is a recognized, though sometimes controversial, element of Westminster-style parliamentary politics. In this instance Robichaud formally resigned his seat, enabling the sequence of events. He later returned as the Liberal candidate in Beauséjour during the 1993 general election.

Senate appointment and tenure

After years of involvement in federal politics, and following recommendations from party leadership, Robichaud received a Senate appointment on September 22, 1997. As a senator he sat for a New Brunswick division and participated in the legislative review and committee work that constitutes much of the upper chamber's role. Senators in Canada are appointed and serve until a mandatory retirement age; Robichaud left the Senate upon reaching age 75 on December 2, 2014, the statutory retirement threshold.

Roles, responsibilities and significance

Across both chambers, Robichaud's roles reflect several common responsibilities of federal parliamentarians: representing regional interests, contributing to legislative debate, and supporting party strategy. As a member of the House of Commons he engaged in constituency work and national politics; as a senator he contributed to review and oversight functions that complement the elected chamber. His willingness to vacate a seat for a party leader is a memorable example of personal sacrifice for party organization and illustrates how individual careers can intersect with broader strategic needs.

Context: how these institutions and practices operate

  • House of Commons: Elected chamber where Members of Parliament debate and pass legislation; MPs represent specific electoral districts and are chosen through general elections or by-elections.
  • Senate: Appointed chamber that reviews legislation and represents regional interests; appointments are often made on the advice of the government and carry a mandatory retirement age (75).
  • By-elections and leader entries: When a party leader lacks a seat, a sitting MP may step down to allow a by-election so the leader can contest a seat in the House — a strategic move seen from time to time in Canadian politics.

Legacy and notable facts

Robichaud's career is notable less for headline-grabbing portfolios than for steady participation in federal institutions and a key role in a high-profile leadership transition. His name often appears in accounts of Jean Chrétien's early parliamentary positioning because of the 1990 resignation, and his subsequent Senate service reflects a common path for experienced parliamentarians. For additional biographical details and records of parliamentary service consult official parliamentary resources or party archives linked here: biographical references, political profiles, and institutional records at the national parliamentary site and House resources. Other useful entries include broader discussions of the Beauséjour riding and the role of senators from New Brunswick.

This article provides a concise account of Robichaud's public service career and the parliamentary customs that shaped several of his most notable decisions. For further reading on the political context that framed his actions, see materials on the Liberal Party, the career of Jean Chrétien, and the procedural rules governing Senate appointments and by-elections.