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EDITORIAL: Reforming the senate

When Prime Minister Stephen Harper was first campaigning to be Canada’s prime minister, he made it clear he wanted to either reform or abolish the senate. A year ago, after a Supreme Court ruling, Harper took both options off the table.

When Prime Minister Stephen Harper was first campaigning to be Canada’s prime minister, he made it clear he wanted to either reform or abolish the senate.

A year ago, after a Supreme Court ruling, Harper took both options off the table.

This week the senate is back in the spotlight, with disgraced member Mike Duffy heading to court to defend accusations of charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust.

His trial follows on the heels of RCMP allegations lobbed at fellow Sen. Pamela Wallin and still more laid at the feet of Sen. Patrick Brazeau.

All three have been suspended from the chamber of sober second thought, which in our minds is an organization the country can probably do without.

The senate has long been viewed by many Canadians as a place where old politicians and party faithful are sent to die.

It’s nothing more than a patronage appointment, a chance to once again feed at the political trough – at least until you get caught.

It’s clear changes are needed. First and foremost it must be decided if the institution is even needed. What does it add to the political landscape??

Many believe they simply rubber-stamp issues that come before them. At the very least give the public a chance to have a say and make it once and for all an elected body


 





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