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Arguments Against Senate Reform

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As a component of the British North America Act passed in 1867, the Canadian Senate came into existence simultaneously with the Dominion of Canada. One of the oldest and most important institutions in the country, the Canadian Senate, is also one of the most criticized and controversial senates in the world. In 2008, The Toronto Sun wrote that as a result of the Canadian Senate, democracy throughout the country has been “placed on hold”. Those in favour of abolishing the Senate argue that it is a flawed body of government, which is carrying out its legislative functions inadequately. While the Senate may not have the support of the entire Canadian population, abolishing it may not be the most effective course of action. Rather, this paper will argue that instead of abolishing the Senate due to its …show more content…
The arguments against Senate reform may be attributed to the fact that the plan for how to properly reform the Senate has yet to be proposed. It appears that a ten-year term would be the ideal length of appointment for senators as it is the means of both Stephen Harper’s and Micheal Ignatieff’s formally proposed length’s for a change in this subject in 2006 and should thus satisfy both the Conservative and Liberal parties.
The final and most important component of reforming the Senate involves the determination of how senators should come to office. Having an elected Senate similar to the American model is the right option for Canada. If Canada attempts to improve the Senate through reformation, it would simply be counterproductive to maintain its undemocratic appointment policy. Achieving democracy within the Senate through an elected selection process is the only way that Canada can ensure that its Senate is accurately carrying out its roles and responsibilities with respect to the representation of the Canadian

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