Beyond left versus right

Re: We need a better Senate, Aug. 3.

In his opinion piece, Brian Lee Crowley presents the one major argument why the Senate should not be abolished: the representation of regional communities, in national decisions. And he argues that this role should not just be left to the premiers, whose job it is to look after their provincial interests.

Genuine Senate reform requires a constitutional amendment. The amending formula makes reform difficult: seven provincial legislatures, representing at least 50 per cent of the total population of all provinces, have to agree, together with the House of Commons and the Senate itself. In reality, this means that seven premiers have to agree.

In 1981, Pierre Trudeau abandoned his proposal for constitutional amendment by federal referendum in case of a deadlock, caused by provincial premiers. Jean Chrétien was happy to see this proposal eliminated, but Trudeau himself was not. His Charter was saved, but his “people’s package” had been severely cut.

Will any federal leader, after discussions with community leaders, including the premiers, dare to submit directly to the people of Canada a proposal for a truly new Senate, elected and equitable (rebalancing the distribution of seats)? This referendum would not be legally binding, but each premier would find it impossible to ignore the will of a clear majority of the electorate of her or his province. Attempting this might anger some of the premiers, but if Prime Minister Stephen Harper does not do it, Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau should make this bold initiative part of his platform for the next election.

Bold innovations that defy leftright are what great Liberal leaders are remembered for.

THEO GERAETS, Ottawa