Marilou McPhedran

As an independent, non-affiliated senator, I have focused on advancing legislative changes that promote fairness, justice, and accountability. Most recently (the 44th parliamentary session), I introduced two bills:

• Bill S-261, the Can’t Buy Silence Act – aimed at ending the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence victims of harassment, discrimination, and abuse.
• Bill S-201, Lowering the Federal Voting Age to 16 – a step toward empowering young Canadians and ensuring their voices are heard in our democracy.

Alongside my legislative work, I remain deeply committed to bringing youth into the Senate and the Senate to youth. That is why I founded the Canadian Council of Young Feminists (CCYF)—a youth advisory group that is focused on many issues including lowering the voting age (Vote16), nuclear disarmament and peace activism, climate change, and Women's Rights in Afghanistan and Iran. I believe young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow, but the leaders of today.

LegisInfo

For too long, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have been used to silence victims of harassment, discrimination, and misconduct. Bill S-261, the Can’t Buy Silence Act, is designed to put an end to this harmful practice.

This bill ensures that NDAs cannot be used to prevent survivors from speaking out about their experiences. While NDAs may have a legitimate place in protecting some information, they should never ever be weaponized to cover up wrongdoing or shield perpetrators from accountability. By supporting this legislation, we take an important step toward transparency, justice, and safer workplaces and institutions across Canada.

I am proud to champion this bill alongside survivors, advocates, and legal experts who have worked tirelessly to bring this issue to light.

LegisInfo

Young people have a stake in the future of our country, yet they are denied the right to vote in federal elections until they turn 18. Bill S-201 seeks to change this by lowering the federal voting age to 16.

At 16, Canadians can work, pay taxes, and serve in the military as reservists—yet they have no say in electing the government that shapes these policies. This bill recognizes that young people are engaged, informed, and ready to participate in democracy. By lowering the voting age, we strengthen civic engagement, encourage lifelong participation in elections, and ensure that the voices of young Canadians are heard in shaping the policies that affect their lives.

Please see Vote16 Canada if you would like to be involved.

As an independent, non-affiliated senator, I approach each vote with careful consideration, guided by principles of fairness, human rights, and accountability. My decisions are not influenced by party lines, allowing me to focus on what I believe is in the best interest of Canadians.

My full voting record is publicly available and can be accessed here: https://sencanada.ca/en/in-the-chamber/votes/senator/207818/ 

Transparency is a key part of my role as a senator. That is why I share video clips of my interventions in the Senate chamber, including questions to the government, speeches, discussions on key issues and event recordings. 

I hope to encourage greater public engagement and understanding of the legislative process. My YouTube channel serves as a record of this work and a resource for anyone interested in following these discussions firsthand.