‘A force against polarization’: Donna Dasko talks her Senate highlights and future hopes

From boos to gender parity: Dasko officially retired from the Red Chamber on Aug. 19, and sat down with The Hill Times to reflect on her eight years as a Senator.

Ontario senator Donna Dasko was booed in the Chamber on her first day, but she leaves it with fond memories, and warm farewells from her now-former colleagues.The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade

News

BY LAURA RYCKEWAERT

August 26, 2026

As a former pollster, Donna Dasko was known for her use of public opinion research through the course of her eight years in the Senate, and with her recent retirement, she says she hopes some of her colleagues will pick up that torch.

To keep reading, subscribe and become a political insider.

Only $7.76 a week for an annual subscription.

Enjoy unlimited website access and the digital newspaper.

Cancel anytime.

Already a Subscriber?

Get Fridays: Hill Life & People Newsletter

Itâ€™s all about the people: the latest on parliamentarians, political staff, and politicos.

By entering your email address you consent to receive email from The Hill Times containing news, analysis, updates and offers. You may unsubscribe at any time. See our privacy policy

FOLLOW THE HILL TIMES:

LICENSING

PODCAST

ALERTS

Want to make sure your whole office has the full Hill Times experience?

We have team plans available for companies, organizations, classes, Parliament Hill offices and more. Fill out this form and find out if your team is eligible for a discount.

MORE News

Investment summit a show of unity, but now Carney must deliver on ambition, politicos say

newsBY MARLO GLASS

Millions of driver’s licences were allegedly listed for sale on the dark web. What does it mean for Canada’s coming social media age ban?

newsBY MARIA COLLINS

Carney pitches ‘brighter future’ at Investment Summit as observers laud tax cut

newsBY PETER MAZEREEUW

‘Don’t hold your breath’: former U.S. envoy not expecting midterms to alter Trump’s tariff approach

newsBY NEIL MOSS

No ‘breakthrough’ to end nearly three-year pause in trade talks with Canada, says U.K. envoy