- Born
- January 10, 1968 — Montreal, Quebec
- Family
- Married to Demi Papapanagiotou; they have two children
- Education
- Bachelor of Arts, McGill University 1992
- Career
- President of Terrau Inc., presidency of Quadvision International and Sales at Constant Laboratories. Member of the North America Advisory Board for the Alexander Proudfoot Company
- Political Experience
- Senator for Wellington, Quebec since January 8, 2009. Speaker of the Senate for part of 2015. Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (appointed May 2025)
- Notable
- Co-founded the Hellenic Board of Trade in 1993. Advisor to the Mayor of Montreal between 2001 and 2002. Appointed to the Board of Directors of Via Rail in 2007.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before his appointment to the Senate, Leo Housakos had a career in business. He was reportedly the co-founder of a communications company called Terra-Sol and later served as president of Quorum, a real estate development company. His financial disclosures have listed interests in real estate and private corporations. He has also served on the boards of various organizations, including as a director for Via Rail Canada before becoming a senator.
Key Relationships & Connections
Leo Housakos was appointed to the Senate in 2008 on the advice of Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He has held several leadership positions within the Conservative caucus, including serving as Speaker of the Senate from 2015 to 2016. He has been described as a key organizer and fundraiser for the Conservative Party, particularly in Quebec. He is also a member of the Conservative leadership team under Pierre Poilievre.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
In 2017, media reports alleged that Senator Housakos may have used his position to help a real estate developer purchase a piece of federal land in Montreal at a favorable price. The reports suggested he had lobbied government officials on behalf of the developer. Senator Housakos denied any wrongdoing, stating that he was acting on behalf of his constituents to see the contaminated land developed. The Ethics Commissioner reportedly reviewed the matter but did not launch a formal investigation.
Public Controversies
Senator Housakos was one of several senators whose expenses were flagged during the 2013-2015 Canadian Senate expenses scandal. A 2015 report by the Auditor General identified approximately $24,000 in questionable housing and travel claims. Housakos initially disputed the findings, but he later repaid about $6,700. His case was not one of the ones referred to the RCMP for a criminal investigation. He has also faced criticism over his role in party fundraising, with some reports questioning the methods used to solicit donations for the Conservative Party.