Senator Harder has nearly 30 years of experience in the federal public service, a decade serving as a volunteer in various organizations, and is a member of several boards of directors. Peter entered the Upper Chamber in April 2016, as the first Independent Senator appointed. He served as Government Representative in the Senate from April 2016 to January 2020, tasked with both shepherding government legislation through the Upper Chamber and leading efforts on reform towards a more independent, accountable and transparent institution.
He served as chief of staff to the Rt. Hon. Joe Clark, then leader of the opposition and, subsequently, the deputy prime minister in the first government of Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Senator Harder was the founding executive director of the Immigration and Refugee Board. He was first appointed as deputy minister in 1991 – a role he eventually would play under five different prime ministers and 12 ministers, including in the departments of immigration, public safety, industry, the treasury board and foreign affairs. He also served as president of the Canada China Business Council.
