The Senate Must Change

October 05, 2006

Last night, CTV News reported that the Liberal-controlled Senate has met for a total of just 34 days since the election. Meanwhile, important legislation passed by the House of Commons awaits Senate approval, including the Federal Accountability Act (FAA).

Last night, CTV News reported that the Liberal-controlled Senate has met for a total of just 34 days since the election. Meanwhile, important legislation passed by the House of Commons awaits Senate approval, including the Federal Accountability Act (FAA).
Despite a call from Conservative Senators to sit through the summer to pass the FAA, Liberal Senators chose to put their feet up and take the summer off. A recent offer by Conservative Senators to sit through the Thanksgiving recess has also gone unanswered.

When will the Liberals in the Senate take action and move forward with changes Canadians asked for in this January’s election?

Also moving slowly in the Senate is Bill S-4, legislation that would limit Senate terms to eight years for all new Senators.

While Canada’s New Government has the support of Canadians on this first practical step toward Senate reform, the Liberal Party would prefer to keep the Senate:

• Unelected;
• Unaccountable; and
• Obstructionist.

It has become a right of passage for aspiring leaders and prime ministers to promise Senate reform, only to back down when they take control of the government.

No more.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has made it clear the Senate must change and Canada’s New Government will lead that change on behalf of all Canadians.