Pierre Claude Nolin — Canadian senator and Speaker of the Senate

Concise biography of Pierre Claude Nolin (1950–2015), long-serving Canadian senator for De Salaberry, his Senate work, role as Speaker, education, family and legacy.

Overview

Pierre Claude Nolin (October 30, 1950 – April 23, 2015) was a Canadian politician who served in the Senate of Canada for more than two decades. Appointed on June 18, 1993, he represented the Senate division of De Salaberry, Quebec and was affiliated with the Conservative Party of Canada. Near the end of his life he held the office of Speaker of the Senate, from November 27, 2014 until his death in April 2015.

Early life and education

Nolin was born in Montreal, Quebec, in 1950. He pursued post-secondary studies at the University of Ottawa, where he developed his professional and political foundations. He married Camille Desjardins in 1976; the couple had three children. Bilingual and active in Quebec public life, Nolin brought regional perspective to federal debates.

Senate career and responsibilities

Appointed to the Senate in 1993, Nolin was a long-serving member who participated in committee work, legislative review and regional representation. Senators in Canada are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the prime minister, and the upper chamber reviews legislation, studies public policy and provides sober second thought on national issues. Over his tenure he served on a variety of committees and contributed to debates on matters affecting Quebec and the country.

Role as Speaker of the Senate

As Speaker of the Senate, Nolin was the presiding officer responsible for maintaining order during debates, interpreting and applying Senate rules and representing the institution in official functions. The Speaker's role is both procedural and ceremonial, and occupies a central place in the upper chamber's daily operations. Nolin assumed the Speaker's chair in late 2014 and performed these duties during a period of active public attention to Senate procedures.

Personal life, illness and death

Throughout his career Nolin combined public service with family life and was regarded by colleagues as a committed regional representative. He died after a battle with cancer on April 23, 2015 in Ottawa, Ontario, at the age of 64. His passing created a vacancy in the Senate and prompted tributes from across the political spectrum.

Legacy and context

Nolin's long service illustrates the continuity of the Senate as an institution that spans governments and political changes. His work as a senator and as Speaker highlighted the chamber's role in reviewing legislation and supporting parliamentary committees. Tributes after his death emphasized his commitment to public service and to representing Quebec within federal institutions.

Quick facts

Full name: Pierre Claude Nolin.
Born: October 30, 1950, in Montreal.
Senator for: De Salaberry, Quebec from June 18, 1993.
Speaker of the Senate: November 27, 2014 – April 23, 2015.
Political affiliation: Conservative Party of Canada.
Education: University of Ottawa.
Personal: Married to Camille Desjardins (1976); three children.

For further reading, consult official biographies and contemporary news coverage; many sources record Nolin's parliamentary contributions and the circumstances of his tenure as Speaker. Archival material and Senate records provide detailed information about his committee work and speeches.

Additional references and links to primary sources are commonly available through government archives and major Canadian news organizations; where appropriate, readers may follow institutional pages or trusted reference works for verifiable details about his life and public service.