nancy ruth, cm (born january 6, 1942) is a canadian activist, philanthropist and former canadian senator. she was appointed by prime minister paul martin, on march 24, 2005. while initially appointed as a progressive conservative, on march 28, 2006 she joined the conservative caucus. she is canada's first openly lesbian senator. she retired from the senate on january 6, 2017, upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.