- Born
- 1957
- Career
- Mi'kmaq leader
- Political Experience
- Canadian senator
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before his appointment to the Senate in 2018, Brian Francis had a long career in public service and with Indigenous organizations. He worked for the federal government for about 20 years, including with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs. He also held a senior position with the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island. From 2007 until his Senate appointment, Francis served as the elected Chief of the Abegweit First Nation. In this role, he was responsible for the governance and administration of the community. His work focused on improving housing, health, and education for its members.
Key Relationships & Connections
As the former Chief of the Abegweit First Nation, Brian Francis has deep and long-standing relationships with Indigenous leaders and communities in Prince Edward Island and across Canada. He has worked closely with the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island, an organization that represents the interests of the province's two First Nations. His appointment to the Senate was recommended by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, a body created to provide non-binding, merit-based recommendations to the Prime Minister. He is the first person of Mi'kmaq descent from Prince Edward Island to serve in the Senate.