Justin Trudeau’s most recent Senate pick has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Liberals.
Trudeau announced the appointment of Toronto entrepreneur Mohammad Al Zaibak as an “independent senator” Sunday.
The decision has come under scrutiny due to Al Zaibak’s extensive history of financial contributions to the Liberal Party of Canada, totalling over $76,000.
Despite being hailed by Trudeau for his business and philanthropic experience, as well as his community leadership in diversity and inclusion in his official announcement, Al Zaibak’s political affiliations are never mentioned.
Elections Canada records reveal that Al Zaibak has made a total of 145 donations to the Liberal Party of Canada, with notable recipients including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Bob Rae, and Michael Ignatieff.
The largest single donation was recorded Dec. 7, 2005, amounting to $3,100, while the most recent contribution, for $141.67, was Sept. 29, 2023.
In addition to his significant support for the Liberal Party, Al Zaibak has made two donations to the NDP and one to the Conservative Party of Canada.
Trudeau touted Al Zaibak’s purported independence in his announcement.
“Mohammad Al Zaibak has been appointed as an independent senator. His business and philanthropic experience, combined with his community leadership in diversity and inclusion, will only make the Senate better.
However, critics argue that the lack of transparency regarding Al Zaibak’s political contributions raises concerns about the government’s commitment to impartiality in the Senate.
Trudeau has been accused of politicizing Senate appointments in the past.
In 2021 several senate appointments made by the Trudeau government came under scrutiny as multiple appointees have strong ties to the Liberal Party of Canada.
Out of the eight recent appointees, five have made substantial donations to the Liberal Party, two were former Liberal candidates, and one served as a director of the Trudeau Foundation.
