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OTTAWA — A powerful group of independent senators will choose its leader next week and, so far, only one person is in the running.

British Columbia Sen. Yuen Pau Woo has put his name forward for leadership on a “ticket” with Sen. Raymonde Saint-Germain, who would act as deputy. Their candidacy comes at what they call a “pivotal” moment in the Senate’s history.

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Another senator, Larry Campbell, had been keen on the job. But he recused himself last week, according to the Independent Senators Group’s current leader, Alberta Sen. Elaine McCoy.

Nominations for the positions of “facilitator” and “deputy facilitator” are open until Friday but McCoy and Woo both implied there are no rumours others will apply. A decision will come Monday as senators gather for a summit where they will also try to nail down policies for how the group is governed.

McCoy decided to step down from her role but will remain involved and offer guidance to whoever steps in next. “Some people are calling me the godmother,” she said.