A Case for Senate Reform

The Canadian Senate needs reform, not abolition. To abolish the Senate would be to dispose of a a valuable political vessel in Canadian Parliament. The Canadian Senate, as it stands, is a useless body. If it were to be elected, it would help bring the Senate into its founding purpose.

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Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Canada
• Senate
• Canadian
• politics
• tylermacneill
• conservative
• government
• liberal
• NDP
• harper
• ignatieff
• layton

[rocketlauncherism]

I totally agree that it should be reformed and that it should be made into a functional body where things can actually be done in an accountable manner. What do you think of the new "provincial choice" elections that the conservatives want to create?

The thing about having a second election after the house of commons one is interesting but could cause deadlocks in parliament. Then problems like the debt crisis could occur where some want to make changes and others want different ones.

[TylerMacNeill]

@rocketlauncherism Thus is the nature of compromise.

[rocketlauncherism]

@TylerMacNeill It just never seems like anyone in federal politics wants to ever do that. =/

[TylerMacNeill]

@rocketlauncherism Minority governments still pass budgets.

[LudicrousPlatypus]

I disagree I think that the senate should be based on a proportional representational system. Direct elections could lead to an American style gridlock.

[caparad]

The Senate is inherently a reproduction of the House of Lords. It has never been intended to represent provinces as you claim - that is an idea from US federalism. This is why it was never elected in the first place. It has always been a continuation of the House of Lords.

We don't need provincial representation in our Parliament just as provincial legislatures don't need to have federal representation.

How about mixed proportional/regional representation in a unicameral legislature?

[Yoalankun2]

Good point made, Just because something isn't working doesn't mean it can't be fixed

[rocketlauncherism]

@cyberbar20 I know it would be great if we had a more functional senate that we could at least say was somewhat democratic. We have to come to terms with the fact that it will likely never happen (I wish it could but it won't). Not only would it require constitutional changes to allow for an elected senate (Unless you are in favor of the "Optional Provincial Elections" that the Harper government plans to introduce). It would be great if real, legally binding elections could occur.

[cyberbar20]

your suggestions would allow the Canadian senate to function very similarly to the American Senate. I personally think that they're very wise suggestions and should be taken seriously.

[kkaitlynnxlouisee]

You look like Robert Pattinson.. So I clicked. Haha, but good video!

[TheEles75]

Your right conservative governments put conservatives in the senate so they are the only ones to get an opinion

[WellGamule]

Good Gravy!