Prime Minister Stephen Harper has appointed Larry Smith, Alouettes President and CEO, along with Toronto cleric Don Meredith, to the Senate.
Before joining the Alouettes, Smith was commissioner of the CFL for five years.
Smith played on the Alouettes from 1972 to 1980, then became the team's president in 1997.
The appointments further tip the balance in the 105-seat Senate, giving the Conservatives 54 seats.
The Liberals have 47 Senate seats, the Progressive Conservatives two, and there are two Independents.
Harper says his new senators are "well-regarded and visible figures in their communities."
And he says both have pledged to support the government in its efforts to make the Senate more democratic and accountable.
He also says they'll bring a "wealth of experience" in business, philanthropy, sport and community initiatives to the Senate.
Earlier this year Smith announced he would be stepping down from his football career at the end of 2010.
He lives in Hudson with his wife Leesa.
With files from The Canadian Press.
