Senate Reform in Canada

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the current Canadian Senate and how it is a useless and outdated institution in dire need of reform. It demonstrates how the Senate as it currently exists, is a waste of money, serves only a symbolic role and goes against the principles of democracy. It evaluates how the Senate, if reformed, could alleviate the political tensions that exist between the federal government and their provincial counterparts, through provincial equality within the Upper House. It also looks at the increased legitimacy the Upper House would enjoy, if the Senate undertook a more active role in the Canadian legislative process and abandoned the appointment system.

From the Paper:

"Ontario and Quebec combine to account for 62% of the Canadian population4. Both Western and Atlantic Canada feel that the House of Commons is the place where representation by population should be exercised, not in the Upper House, "The Senate should serve as a stronger voice, in federal decision making, for the less populated provinces"5. The Central Canadian rule in the House of Commons is properly justified. Ontario and Quebec control 174 out of the 295 seats in the Canadian legislature, which happens to be only 59% of the seats6. Despite the fact that the House of Commons occupation by Central Canada is proportionately less than their occupation of the Canadian population, although insignificantly, the bordering regions of Canada do not feel that they are properly represented in Ottawa."

More papers on Senate Reform in Canada:

• Argumentative Essay # 102429 : "Current Senate Reform Proposals"
• Research Paper # 56283 : "Canadian Senate Reform Proposals"
• Persuasive Essay # 103225 : "The Canadian Senate: Time for Change"

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