2 Islanders to help pick new P.E.I. senator

Two Islanders have been chosen to help pick a new senator for P.E.I.

Abegweit First Nation Chief Brian Francis along with business owner Jeannette Arsenault will be on an independent advisory board set up by the federal government.

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Their appointments were announced Thursday by Ottawa.

They'll be tasked with reviewing applications for the job and making non-binding recommendations to the prime minister. Justin Trudeau will have the final say on senate appointments.

The P.E.I. seat has been vacant since July 2014 when Catherine Callbeck stepped down at the mandatory retirement age of 75.

There are 19 vacancies right now in seven provinces, including P.E.I. An additional vacancy will open in Quebec in August.

Canadians can apply online for the vacant positions.

The four-week application period started yesterday and is open until Aug. 4.

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