- Born
- 1952
- Career
- Former civil servant
- Political Experience
- Canadian senator
Based on publicly available information — may contain inaccuracies
Business & Financial Interests
Before his appointment to the Senate, Peter Harder had a long career as a senior public servant in the Canadian federal government. He held several Deputy Minister positions, including at the departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry, and the Treasury Board. Following his retirement from the public service, Harder served as the President of the Canada-China Business Council from 2012 to 2016. He has also reportedly served on the boards of several organizations, including the Bank of China (Canada). His Senate disclosures have listed interests in various investment funds and publicly traded securities.
Key Relationships & Connections
Peter Harder was the first senator appointed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in 2016 under a new, non-partisan appointment process. Upon his appointment, he became the Government Representative in the Senate, a role created to shepherd government legislation through a more independent upper chamber. This made him a key figure in the relationship between the Trudeau government and the reformed Senate. Through his previous role as President of the Canada-China Business Council, Harder developed extensive relationships with business and political figures in both Canada and China. He has been described as a long-time adviser to the Trudeau family, having reportedly provided advice to both Justin Trudeau and his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
Potential Conflicts of Interest
Questions have been raised in media reports and by political opponents about potential conflicts of interest stemming from Peter Harder's past role as President of the Canada-China Business Council and his previous position on the board of the Bank of China (Canada). Critics have suggested these past relationships could influence his perspective on legislation and foreign policy related to China. According to reports, these concerns were particularly noted during Senate debates on issues involving China, such as motions concerning human rights and the Canada-China relationship. There have been no formal findings of conflict by the Senate Ethics Officer regarding these matters.
Public Controversies
Peter Harder has faced public criticism and controversy, primarily related to his past advocacy for closer business ties with China. His previous leadership of the Canada-China Business Council has been a focal point for critics, especially amid deteriorating diplomatic relations between the two countries following the arrest of Meng Wanzhou and the subsequent detention of Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Some commentators and opposition politicians have publicly questioned his stance on China, suggesting his views were too accommodating of the Chinese government. These criticisms often surfaced during sensitive foreign policy debates in the Senate. Harder defended his positions by arguing that engagement and trade were important for Canada's interests.