The Senate Tenure Bill proposes limiting the term of a new Senator to eight years, while allowing existing Senators to hold their appointments until they reach the age of 75.
This bill was introduced in the Senate on May 30, 2006.
An Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 (Senate tenure)
Honourable Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate
- The subject matter of the Senate Tenure Bill was referred to the Special Senate Committee on Senate Reform on June 28, 2006. The Special Committee on Senate Reform tabled its report on October 26, 2006.
- The bill received Second Reading in the Senate February 20, 2007 and was referred to the Senate Committee on Legal and Constitutional Affairs.
The Senate Tenure Bill proposes limiting the term of a new Senator to eight years, while allowing existing Senators to hold their appointments until they reach the age of 75.
The federal government feels that a term of eight years will allow Senators to gain the experience needed to handle their role of legislative review and investigation, and at the same ensure the Senate is refreshed with new perspectives and ideas on a regular basis.
Senators were originally appointed for life, but that provision was changed to mandatory retirement at age 75 in an amendment to the Constitution Act in 1965. Currently Senators must be at least 30 years old, and can hold their Senate seat until they reach 75, allowing for the possibility of 45-year terms.
