“The current government asked the [Supreme Court of Canada] for an opinion on four matters related to Senate reform: term limits; the appointment process; qualifications; and abolition…”
To see the entire article quoted above, click here.
“Meanwhile, the Quebec Court of Appeal is also looking at the constitutionality of the Conservatives’ [Senate reform] bill on the provincial government’s request. Ottawa had filed a request to have that review process stopped, but it was rejected in March.
The Quebec hearings could be held as early as September, meaning a Quebec judgment could be reached before the Supreme Court weighs in — something the Harper government would like to avoid…”
To see the entire article quoted above, click here.
“There is debate around whether to reform or abolish the Senate and the Supreme Court has recently been asked to rule on whether reforming it requires a constitutional amendment. The answer is likely “yes” and, as a result, shutting down the Senate will be clearly no more difficult than reforming it. The many reasons for shutting down the Senate, and why a shut down is easier, less costly, and causes fewer problems than any possible reforms, are as follows…”
To see the entire news release quoted above, click here.
“What to do? Stephen Harper has asked appointees to agree to term limits and encouraged the process of provinces electing senators. This amounts to the most any recent prime minister has done in reforming the Senate. The Senate has responded to closer scrutiny by imposing attendance minimums, audits, and steps to ensure that housing and living claims are legitimate. Looking ahead, a debate on real change would be nasty, brutish — and long…”
To see the entire op-ed quoted above, click here.
Should a new Canadian Constitution abolish or reform the Senate? You can send a letter letting key politicians across Canada know what you think HERE.