- Born
- July 8, 1954 — Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Family
- Married, two children
- Education
- Bachelor of Arts, University of Prince Edward Island; Master of Public Administration, University of Moncton
- Career
- Served as a senior aide to various federal cabinet ministers; Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien (1998-2001)
- Political Experience
- Appointed to the Senate of Canada on June 26, 2003. Initially sat as a Liberal before joining the Canadian Senators Group in 2019.
- Notable
- Known for his advocacy on issues related to tax fairness and offshore tax evasion.
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before his appointment to the Senate in 2003, Percy Downe had a long career in public service and politics. His most prominent role was serving as Chief of Staff to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien from 1993 to 2001. He also held various positions within the Prince Edward Island government, including acting as an executive assistant to a former premier. Since becoming a senator, he has been a vocal advocate on issues of taxation and government finance.
Key Relationships & Connections
Percy Downe is widely known for his close and long-standing political relationship with former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Downe served as Chrétien's chief of staff for eight years, a key position in the Prime Minister's Office, making him one of Chrétien's most senior and trusted advisors during his time in government.
Public Controversies
During the broader Canadian Senate expense scandal, Percy Downe's expenses were reviewed by the Auditor General. A 2015 report flagged approximately $21,000 in travel and living expense claims. According to reports, Downe publicly disputed the findings of the audit and defended his claims. However, he later repaid the full amount that was questioned by the Auditor General.