Patti LaBoucane-Benson facts for kids

Patti LaBoucane-Benson was born on February 20, 1969. She is a Canadian academic and politician. She is a Métis person, which means she has mixed Indigenous and European ancestry. Patti LaBoucane-Benson works as a director of research for Native Counselling Services of Alberta. This organization helps Indigenous people.

She became a member of the Senate of Canada on October 3, 2018. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, chose her for this important role. The Senate is a part of Canada's Parliament. Senators review and approve laws.

Patti LaBoucane-Benson's Role in the Senate

On January 31, 2020, Patti LaBoucane-Benson received a new job. She became the Government Liaison in the Senate. This role means she helps the government's plans move forward in the Senate. She works with the Representative of the Government in the Senate, Marc Gold.

What a Government Liaison Does

As a Government Liaison, Patti LaBoucane-Benson acts like a "whip." In politics, a whip makes sure that members of their group vote a certain way. They help gather support for new laws the government wants to pass. This helps the government get its work done in the Senate.

Awards and Achievements

Patti LaBoucane-Benson is also a talented writer. In 2016, she won a special award. It was the Burt Award for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Literature.

The Outside Circle Graphic Novel

She won the award for her graphic novel called The Outside Circle. A graphic novel is like a comic book but tells a longer story. She wrote this book with Kelly Mellings. It is a story that helps people understand Indigenous experiences.