What to do about the Senate?
Re Reviving the Red Chamber, Editorial Dec. 4
Your editorial was bang on. Instead of engaging in sterile debates on what might constitute a “perfect” upper house, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has decided to do what is practical and achievable.
Fundamental changes to the Senate obviously appeal to some people, but getting there would mean a long and exhausting constitutional debate, endless offstage skirmishing and tragicomic histrionics that would make Douglas Adams look like Euripides.
There is already a great deal of talent and experience in the Senate, and that body has done very good work in some areas. Changes intended to make this performance closer to the rule than to the exception are overdue.
But individuals also have a responsibility. Engaging directly with senators, i.e. writing to them, either to thank them, or to hold the feet of laggards and wastrels to the fire, is one way. Even though we do not elect senators, they still represent us, and we do pay their salaries. Keith Weaver, Toronto
On the next federal election, ballots should include the following question: Should the Senate be abolished? Yes or No. Let the voting taxpayers decide as we do for our MPPs and MPs.
Giving the opportunity to abolish the Senate will also greatly increase the voter turnout, which is a good thing. Don’t use the Constitution as a crutch to say it can’t be done. If there is a will there is always a way.
The provinces that wish to retain senators can appoint and pay their own provincial senators (maximum two) who reside in their province and provide “second thought.” With our instant communication abilities, there is no need for any of them to reside in Ottawa collecting dust. Give them an office in their province paid for by that province.
If it is left entirely up to the federal politicians, the Senate will never be abolished, as it is nothing more than a great bonus retirement package that all hope to have a chance of obtaining.
It is way past the end time for these people living on federal taxpayers’ money. Throw them all under the bus. Perce Mossop, Richmond Hill
Twenty three senators and 20 MPs who travelled across Canada for 18 months hearing 119 witnesses and reviewing 280 written briefs on Senate reform would not have disagreed that a reformed Senate “should be as independent-based and ethically minded as possible,” as outlined in the Star editorial.
Unfortunately your editorial makes no mention of the main conclusion of a 1984 report, “that the Canadian Senate should be elected directly by the people of Canada.” Strong public support for an elected Senate continues to today.
With a fresh prime minister and new premiers, this is an ideal time for a sober second review of Senate reform.
There are more pressing issues for the new parliament, but real Senate reform should not be delayed for another 30 years. Paul Cosgrove, former co-chair Special Joint Committee on Senate Reform (1984)
You have offered a good proposal for Senate reform; just one missing step. Once the candidates are vetted, let’s have those recommended out in front of the public and then let’s have a vote, preferably an inexpensive and modern electronic one, where we can say Yea or Nay.
The objective is true democratic reform; we can’t get there by having an unelected committee selecting Senators. We can if we get to vote on their merits.
One other comment: drop public service as a criterion for Senate selection. There are many accomplished executives who retire and at last have time for a significant contribution to public service and their community. Why would we want to exclude them? Jay Miller, Oakville
Of the many things Canadians disliked about the Harper regime, the main one was their gratuitous, mean-spirited attitude toward anyone who did not share their views. Now, this very Senate, stacked by Harper with cronies and bagmen, threatens to hold up any legislation that they feel does not agree with their right-wing ideology.
If this is in fact how they intend to act, the wrath of the majority of Canadians who do not support them will surely be swift and severe. Richard Murri, Niagara Falls, Ont.
Because the next federal election is four years away, Trudeau should stage a national referendum next year on electing senators, perhaps after coming up with a plan to allocate more Senate seats to the West, which is grossly underrepresented currently. Though the Senate has been a haven for bagmen and cronies of prime ministers, Senate reform is an important issue. Under our constitution, it can wield great power. Raymond Heard, Toronto
First, he makes taxpayers pay for his private nannycare for his kids. Then he wants to reform the inherently elitist, corrupt and undemocratic Senate rather than scrap it. Another Liberal cop-out. Welcome to Trudeau’s manic millionaire brand of self-serving liberalism. Don Weitz, Toronto