Senate Reform

[ToadBrother]

I think Alberta would support the concept, as would BC, and I cant see Saskatchewan being against it either.

Alberta's the home of the elected Senate, I've never seen strong advocacy for abolishing it. Clark in BC has waffled and taken an awkward and bizarre view that somehow the GG doesn't have to fill Senate vacancies, despite the BNA Act making clear that the GG does.

Here's my suggestion, which I've stated a few times before.

1. Give Senators 10 year terms (negotiate grandfathering existing Senators in with the Senate as opposed to trying to force them out).

2. Give each province 8 senators, First Nations 4 Senators and each of the Territories get 1 or 2 Senators.

3. Devolve the selection of Senators to the Lieutenant Governors in Council (except in the case of the First Nations, which should be a direct vote). Since the Provinces have a much easier time altering their provincial constitution acts that the Federal Government does, let the Provinces individually decide how they want to populate their seats. The only limitation I'd put on it is to require minimum residency standards before someone could be called to the Senate (ie. has to have been a resident of the Province or Territory for a minimum of five years or whatever number you choose).

I can't imagine any provinces being upset about being in charge of picking Senators. They can be as egalitarian as they want, or not. It ceases to be the Government of the day's concern.

[cybercoma]

This is all moot until it's actually given serious consideration.

In any case, we can see what a failure the Senate is by allowing C-6 to be passed without amendments.

[Smallc]

In any case, we can see what a failure the Senate is by allowing C-6 to be passed without amendments.

How does that show us anything? Obviously, Senators were in agreement that things should be passed quickly.

[ToadBrother]

This is all moot until it's actually given serious consideration.

In any case, we can see what a failure the Senate is by allowing C-6 to be passed without amendments.

Could you point out where the Senate is required to alter legislation?

[g_bambino]

In any case, we can see what a failure the Senate is by allowing C-6 to be passed without amendments.

By that logic, the House of Commons demonstrated its failure by passing Bill C-24 without amendments in a half an hour.^[1]