Geneva Peace Development Centre: Canada to have Democratic Accountable Senate

Peter Van Loan, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform, accompanied by Marjory LeBreton, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Secretary of State for Seniors, announced the introduction in the House of Commons of the Senate Appointment Consultations Act and the Constitution Act, 2007 (Senate Tenure). The legislation will make Canada’s institutions more democratic and accountable. “Our government is re-introducing two Bills to create a modern, accountable Senate that is consistent with 21st century democratic values, principles and traditions,” said Minister Van Loan. “Under our legislation, the Senate will have to be accountable for the decisions it makes, the work it does, and the money it spends. Accountability – the basis of democracy – will finally come to the Senate.” The first Bill, the Senate Appointment Consultations Act, creates a popular consultations process to allow Canadians to have a direct say in who represents them in the Senate. The second Bill, the Constitution Act, 2007 (Senate Tenure), will limit the terms of new Senators to 8 years. “For over 140 years the Senate has resisted change. It remains the same institution that was created by the fathers of Confederation in 1867. This is not healthy for the Senate and it is not healthy for democracy in Canada,” said Minister LeBreton. “Our legislation, once adopted, will finally bring democracy to the Senate.” The government has indicated that it wants to work with the opposition to create a modern, democratic, and accountable Senate. That is why the Senate Appointment Consultations Act will be sent to committee before 2nd reading to allow for the broadest possible input from the opposition parties.“We are open to different approaches on the details of Senate reform, but we will not compromise on one fundamental aspect: the Senate must change. And, if that change cannot happen through reform, then we believe that the Senate should be abolished,” said Minister Van Loan. “This is not our preferred route. We prefer to try to reform the Senate before resolving to abolish it. However, if our legislation is blocked, it is a route Canadians will want to see us travel.

For more information, visit http://www.democraticreform.gc.ca/

For information, contact: Michael WhiteCommunications Assistant Office of the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister for Democratic Reform (613) 952-4930

http://www.democraticreform.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?id=1395

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