Pamela Wallin resigns from the Senate two years before retirement

Wallin, 73, a former broadcaster who has represented Saskatchewan since her appointment in 2009, resigned as of Oct 18. Senators must retire at 75.

“I know people are always surprised when somebody walks away, but we all know our time,” Wallin said after 17 years in the Senate.

— Pamela Wallin

She said Ottawa's plan to allow advance requests for medical assistance in dying gave her closure; she has pushed for it since her mother's long struggle with Alzheimer's disease.

Background

Wallin was suspended without pay in 2013 during the Senate expense scandal and repaid about $150,000 with interest. The RCMP said in 2016 she would not be charged.