Senate Renewal
Efforts to change the way Canada’s Senate does its job on behalf of Canadians are almost as old as the institution itself. Some Prime Ministers have tried to kickstart reform by recommending term limits for Senators. Others have attempted to make Senate reform a federal campaign issue or a constitutional challenge. So it should surprise no one that renewing the Senate is again a hot topic of conversation. Only this time, the ideas are more than just proposals. Here, find out all about the steps towards modernization and the significant ramifications of this change for our country.
Senate Renewal
Government Liaison replaces role of whip
The Government Liaison identifies and addresses emerging concerns about Government legislation.
Senate Renewal
Legislative Deputy role replaces that of Deputy Leader
The Legislative Deputy to the Government Representative in the Senate plays a major role in coordinating daily debate in the Red Chamber.
Senate Renewal
The Government Representative’s role in the evolving Senate
The Government Representative in the Senate conveys the views of the Senate to the Government and vice-versa.
Senate Renewal
We can’t return to a Senate ruled by partisan politics
Diluting the worst partisan excesses of a Chamber’s operations after 150 years and replacing them with a less partisan, more open, balanced and considered operational context is not to be sneezed at, writes former Senator Hugh Segal.
Senate Renewal
More independent Senate makes better laws
A quarter of Government bills have been successfully amended by the Senate this session.
Senate Renewal
Modernizing the Senate: the benefit of partisanship taking a back seat
Modernizing the Senate is an important concept to ensure our august Chamber continues to work towards maintaining the confidence of those we represent – the people of Canada, writes Senator Mary Jane McCallum.
Senate Renewal
Key Senate changes to transportation bill possible under new independent model
The Senate has successfully amended 10 of 44 government bills so far this session, including the transportation bill. More gets done in an independent Senate, writes Senator Grant Mitchell.
Senate Renewal
In favour of a Senate business committee
Now that the Senate is more independent and less partisan, it needs a new organizational basis. A business committee could fulfill the purpose, writes Paul G Thomas.
Senate Renewal
Senator Harder releases principles of decision-making for an independent Senate
The Government Representative in the Senate released a discussion paper on how the evolving Senate should make decisions.
Senate Renewal
On cannabis bill, Senate must defer to Canadians’ democratic will
There are important historical and democratic reasons for why Canada’s Senate should not vote down a legislative proposal that has its origin as an election promise, writes Senator Peter Harder.