CIF Charter Member, Dr. Asha Seth named to Canada’s Senate

PM announces the appointment of seven new Senators

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointments of JoAnne Buth, Norman Doyle, Ghislain Maltais, Dr. Asha Seth, Betty Unger and Vernon White to the Senate. This marks the first time a female elected Senator – Betty Unger – has been appointed to the Senate, as well as the first time two elected Senators will be sitting at once – Mrs. Unger and Bert Brown. The Prime Minister also announced the intention to appoint Jean-Guy Dagenais.

“I am pleased to announce the addition of seven remarkable Canadians to the Senate of Canada,” said Prime Minister Harper. “All appointees have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour and in their service to fellow citizens.”

JoAnne Buth fills a vacancy in Manitoba, Norman Doyle a vacancy in Newfoundland and Labrador, Ghislain Maltais a vacancy in Quebec, Dr. Asha Seth a vacancy in Ontario, Betty Unger a vacancy in Alberta, and Vernon White a vacancy in Ontario. Jean-Guy Dagenais will fill a vacancy in Quebec.

All new appointees have pledged to support the Government in its efforts to make the Senate more democratic and accountable, including legislation to limit the term lengths of senators and encouraging the provinces and territories to hold elections for Senate nominees. The new appointees also look forward to working towards a strong economic recovery and safer communities across the country.

“I look forward to working with these talented individuals in Parliament,” added the Prime Minister.  “Their skills and experience will be of great value as our Government works on making this country as prosperous, safe and strong as it can be.”

Biography – Dr. Asha Seth

Asha Seth

Dr. Asha Seth is an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in Family Practice, Toronto, Ontario.
Recognized as a pioneer and patient advocate in the medical field, Dr. Seth received the prestigious Council Award from the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons in 2010.

An active philanthropist, Dr. Seth is involved in a number of charities serving local and international communities. She founded the NIMDAC Foundation, which raised funds for organizations such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Foundation for the Physically Disabled Persons, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. She is also National Board Director of CNIB.  Dr. Seth was also actively involved with St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation, assisting with initiatives to help raise funds for the Health Centre’s new patient care wing.

Dr. Seth completed her Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) at The King Georges Medical College in India and completed her resident training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in the U.K. Upon moving to Canada, she continued her training at St. Joseph’s Health Centre and the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Dr. Asha Seth resides in Toronto, Ontario with her husband Dr. Arun Seth.  She has two loving daughters, Dr. Anila Seth Sharma, an Endocrinologist and Angie Seth, an award winning Journalist and News Anchor, OMNI Television, and four loving grandchildren.

Dr. Seth’s Senate appointment is effective immediately.