Harper Takes on Senate Reform

Prime Minister Stephen Harper tackled the question of Senate reform in an unprecedented appearance before a Senate Committee on September 7, 2006. The Conservative approach to Senate reform is step by step - with the first step being the bill limiting Senate terms to eight years which is currently before the Senate; the second step being the planned introduction this fall of a bill to create a process to "choose elected Senators;" and the last step being the much more difficult problem of ensuring greater representation for western provinces which would require constitutional changes.

The Prime Minster used his appearance in the Senate to warn Senators of "political consequences" for anyone standing in the way of Senate reform. His veiled threat to Senators comes a week before Parliament comes back for the fall session and is most likely directed at ensuring the massive Federal Accountability Act moves through the Senate quickly. There are currently nine vacancies in the Liberal-dominated Senate. The Prime Minister said he has no plans to fill those vacancies, but indicated that could change if he meets resistance.

More on the Senate in Canada
The Senate in Canada
Role of a Canadian Senator
Harper Vows Senate Reform Bill in Fall Session - National Post
Senate Reform, Anyone? Anyone? - John Gray, CBC Reality Check
Reforming the Senate - CBC In Depth