Senator George Furey

Appointed to the Senate by the Rt. Honourable Jean Chrétien, Senator George Furey represents the province of Newfoundland, now known as Newfoundland and Labrador, and the Senatorial Division of Newfoundland and Labrador. He has served in the Senate of Canada since August 11, 1999.

Senator Furey is currently Deputy Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration and member of the Senate Standing Committee on Rules, Procedures, and the Rights of Parliament. He has been Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration, Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs, member of the Senate Standing Committee on National Finance, member of the Senate Standing Committee on Banking, Trade and Commerce and a member of the Special Senate Committee on Bill C-36, the Anti-Terrorism Act. Senator Furey’s pastimes include reading, writing, and gardening. He is also an avid wine connoisseur.

A distinguished lawyer and educator with deep roots in the community, Senator Furey is one of the leading citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador. In the later part of his career, Senator Furey entered the field of law. He was named a Partner in the St. John’s law firm of O’Brien, Hurley & Smith in 1985, and Senior Partner in 1989. His work in the field of law led to an appointment with the Provincial Police Complaints Commission in 1993. He was named Queen’s Counsel in 1996.

Prior to entering the field of law, Senator Furey served as a teacher, vice-principal, and principal with School Boards in various locations in Newfoundland from 1969 to 1980.

Senator Furey is a widely respected community leader, someone who has given generously of his time to numerous voluntary groups, professional boards and provincial commissions, including: The Newfoundland Liquor Corporation, for which he served as Chair (1997-99), and Director from 1990-97); St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital Ethics Committee (1991): and, the Newfoundland Teachers’ Association (1976-77, 1977-78).

Holding two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Memorial University (1970-1971), and a Master of Education from Memorial University (1976), Senator Furey enrolled in the Faculty of Law at Dalhousie University in 1980. Earning his LL.B. in 1983, he was admitted to the Newfoundland Bar in 1984.

Born in St. John’s on May 12, 1948, Senator Furey and his wife Karen have four children.