How are Canadian senators appointed?
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Canadian senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the current Prime Minister. There is some consideration for regional representation as well but in the end it’s the PMs office who says “this person has the qualifications and should be a senator” and the Governor General will make the final decision.
Incredibly simple: The Canadian Prime Minister appoints them.
Slightly more complicated: It’s a layover from the British system, where the King, acting though the Governor-General, appoints members to the Senate. The Governor-General/King doesn’t seek out individuals themselves, but is recommended nominations by the Prime Minister.
Following the election of Trudeau in 2015, he created an independent board to find nominees, which would then be forwarded to the PM for final selection. He selects candidates to then passed to the Governor-General and King for approval and election into the Senate.
*As best as I can tell*, the Canadian Governor-General is by convention an entirely ceremonial role and has not vetoed anything passed by federal government (namely refusing the grant royal assent/to “sign a bill into law”), including the appointment of senators, though the powers to do such are still in force.
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