The Honourable Bernadette Clement is a prominent figure in the Canadian political and legal landscape. A lawyer by training, a legal aid advocate, and a senator since 2021, she is best known for her many firsts. She was the first woman elected mayor of Cornwall, and also the first Black woman mayor in Ontario.
In the Senate, she is involved in several committees, including Legal and Constitutional Affairs and Indigenous Peoples. She is also the Chair of the Canadian African Senate Group.
A passionate speaker, the senator participates in committee studies and Senate debates, most often advocating for marginalized groups, whom she consults regularly. She is also committed to connecting young people and other Canadians with the Senate through social media, community events, and public speaking engagements.
Throughout her career, she has been appreciated for her simplicity, authenticity, and ability to share her ideas in a passionate and accessible way.