The Brian Mulroney Institute of Government Sober Second Thinkers Series Presents
A Tale of Two Chambers The Honourable Rodger T. Cuzner
Wednesday, March 11, 2026
7:00 pm–9:00 pm
Mulroney Hall
The Mulroney Institute is pleased to welcome The Honourable Rodger T. Cuzner as part of its Sober Second Thinkers Speakers Series. Senator Cuzner’s talk will examine the evolution of Canada’s Senate through the lens of Nova Scotia’s historic role in Confederation and his own unique experience serving as a Member of Parliament and as a Senator. The talk will trace how the Senate moved from a chamber of regional advocacy to a party-controlled body, and more recently to a more independent model. While exploring the strengths of the modern independent Senate with greater diversity, legitimacy, and deliberative capacity, a central focus will also be on whether today’s Senate is striking the right balance between independence, restraint, and respect for the elected House of Commons.
All are welcome.
The Honourable Rodger T. Cuzner
Senator Rodger Cuzner (Cape Breton The Mira, NS) is an experienced parliamentarian who served the people of Cape Breton for 19 years as a Member of the House of Commons, and now serves the people of Nova Scotia as a Member of the Senate of Canada.
During his time as an MP, Senator Cuzner served in a variety of key positions, including as Parliamentary Secretary to The Right Honourable Jean Chretien, Parliamentary Secretary to The Honourable Patty Hajdu, and while in opposition, served as Chief Opposition Whip. Senator Cuzner served on a number of parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committees on Fisheries (Vice Chair), Finance, Heritage, Human Resources, Social Development, and the Status of Person with Disabilities, and the Subcommittee on the Study of the Future of Sport.
Senator Cuzner’s focuses on several topics, including fisheries and labour issues, with a particular interest on impacts to his home province of Nova Scotia and the wider Atlantic Canada region.
Senator Cuzner is passionate about Canada-US relations. Upon retiring from the House of Commons, Senator Cuzner accepted a three-year diplomatic post as Canada’s Counsel General to the New England States, based in Boston, Massachusetts. As Counsel General, he led a team of dedicated public servants to serve Canadians, to provide Consul services, as well as ensuring Canada’s interests and visibility were at the forefront with American government officials, members of Congress and senators, with the goal to open new trade opportunities for Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs.
Senator Cuzner is the holder of a National Coaching Certification (Master Course conductor for Hockey) and has coached at senior and junior levels, both in his native Cape Breton and in Fort McMurray, Alberta, a place where he spent many of his formative working years.
Senator Cuzner was summoned to the Senate of Canada on November 7, 2023, by the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister, to serve as a Senator for his home province of Nova Scotia.
Rodger Cuzner resides in Albert Bridge, Cape Breton, with his wife Lynn, and has three adult sons.