St. Paul’s Hospital Executive Director Tracy Muggli appointed to the Senate for Saskatchewan

St. Paul's Hospital Executive Director Tracy Muggli has been appointed to the Canadaian Senate. (Submitted photo)

Tracy Muggli, who is currently serving as the Executive Director of St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon with overall responsibility for the Catholic hospital’s programs and services, has been appointed as a Senator for Saskatchewan. She will join five other senators for the province: Brent Cotter, David Arnot, Marty Klyne, Pamela Wallin and Denise Batters.

Saskatoon Bishop Mark Hagemoen conveyed his congratulations and prayers to Muggli, noting that her appointment to the Canadian Senate is a recognition of her leadership, which has included Catholic Health Care in Saskatchewan.

(News release from the Prime Minister’s Office):

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Aug. 17, 2024 that the Governor General, Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, has appointed two people as independent senators to fill vacancies in the Senate:

Tracy Muggli is a registered social worker, senior executive, and former provincial public servant with over 35 years of experience in the health and social services sectors. She has long been an active member of her community and currently serves as the Executive Director of St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon. She has received numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal and the (Saskatchewan) Premier’s Award for Excellence in Public Service.

“I am humbled to be appointed as a Senator representing Saskatchewan. I will serve in alignment with my values,  to advance policy and legislation that promotes equity for the most vulnerable in our society,” said Muggli.

Charles Adler emigrated from Hungary at a young age and went on to become a radio host and journalist. Throughout his career, he has used his platform to champion human rights and Canadian democracy. Recognition he has received includes a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association.

These new senators were recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments and chosen using a merit-based process open to all Canadians. Introduced in 2016, this process ensures senators are independent, reflect Canada’s diversity, and are able to tackle the broad range of challenges and opportunities facing the country.

“The Senate of Canada will be stronger with its newest independent senators. Mr. Adler and Ms. Muggli will put their vast experience and knowledge to work for all Canadians in their new roles,” said the Prime Minister.

Quick Facts

  • The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country. Created to counterbalance representation by population in the House of Commons, the Senate not only defends regional interests, it also creates a space for the voices of historically underrepresented groups like Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, and women.
  • Candidate submissions were reviewed by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provided recommendations to the Prime Minister. The Board is guided in its work by public, transparent, non-partisan, and merit-based criteria to identify highly qualified candidates for the Senate.
  • With today’s announcement, there have been 84 independent appointments to the Senate made on the advice of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. All of them were recommended by the Board.
  • Under the Canadian Constitution, the Governor General appoints individuals to the Senate. By convention, senators are appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister.
  • Once appointed by the Governor General, new senators join their peers to examine and revise legislation, investigate national issues, and represent regional, provincial and territorial, and minority interests – important functions in a modern democracy.

Tracy Muggli background

Tracy Muggli is a registered social worker, senior executive, and former provincial public servant with over 35 years of experience in the health and social services sectors.

As the Executive Director of St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, she holds overall responsibility for the hospital’s programs and services.

Prior to this role, she was the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services for Saskatoon Health Region/Saskatchewan Health Authority and provided strategic and operational leadership for all mental health and addictions outpatient services in Saskatoon and surrounding communities. Earlier in her career, Muggli worked in different health and social service organizations as manager, coordinator, child welfare worker, and social worker. She also taught courses at the University of Regina’s Faculty of Social Work.

Muggli has long been an active member of her community, where she has served on numerous boards. This includes the Saskatoon Open Door Society, the Saskatoon Community Foundation, the Saskatchewan Intercultural Association, and the Canadian Federation of University Women – Saskatoon. She is currently a co-applicant and collaborator for the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Matters (Prairie Node), sits on the board of the University of Regina Alumni Association, and chairs the HR committee of the St. Peter’s College Board of Governors. She is also a member of the University of Saskatchewan Senate.

Muggli has received numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal, a YWCA Woman of Distinction Award, and the (Saskatchewan) Premier’s Award for Excellence in Public Service. She was also recognized by the Saskatoon Community Foundation with the creation of the Tracy Muggli Fund for Reconciliation.

Muggli holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan, a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Regina, and a Master of Social Work from Carleton University.

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