‘Deeply appreciative’: Senator Boniface retires from the Red Chamber after years of service and leadership

## Senator Gwen Boniface Retires from the Senate ### A Trailblazing Career Senator Gwen Boniface, the first woman to lead the Ontario Provincial Police, joined the Senate in 2016, bringing decades of policing experience. Her appointment followed more than 30 years in law enforcement, during which she focused on community safety, ethics, and modern policing methods. Before entering the Senate, Boniface served as Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) from 1998 to 2006. Her leadership emphasized accountability, diversity, and collaboration between law enforcement and the public. ### Contributions in the Senate During her tenure in the Red Chamber, Senator Boniface worked on committees addressing national security, justice reform, and Indigenous affairs. She advocated for restorative justice practices and improvements to Canada’s policing standards. Reflecting on her time in the Senate, she said: > “I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to serve Canadians in this unique role. My years here have been among the most rewarding of my career.” Her colleagues praised her integrity and balanced approach to policymaking, particularly her ability to bridge perspectives between law enforcement and human rights advocates. ### A Legacy of Service In retirement, Boniface leaves behind a lasting impact on Canadian public service. Her efforts to strengthen police-community relations and support trauma-informed policing continue to influence policy discussions. ### Looking Forward As she steps down, Senator Boniface expressed gratitude to her peers and staff, emphasizing the value of collaboration and respect in public life. She plans to remain engaged with initiatives that promote justice and community trust. > “Public service is a privilege,” she remarked, “and one I will continue to support in new ways.” *** **Author’s summary:** Senator Gwen Boniface, Canada’s first female head of the OPP, retires from the Senate after a distinguished career dedicated to justice, ethics, and public service.

SenCanada.ca — 2025-11-28