Senate of Canada
The Senate of Canada is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Canada. Established by the Constitution Act, 1867, it serves as a chamber of "sober second thought" to review, amend, or veto legislation passed by the House of Commons.
History
- Foundation: The Senate was established as part of the Confederation of Canada in 1867. Its creation was influenced by the British parliamentary system, where the House of Lords serves a similar role.
- Original Purpose: The Senate was designed to protect regional, minority, and property interests, ensuring a balance of power against potential excesses of the elected House of Commons.
- Changes Over Time: Over the years, there have been various reforms and discussions about the role and structure of the Senate. Key changes include:
- 1965: Senators' retirement age was set to 75.
- 1991: The Charlottetown Accord proposed changes to the Senate but was rejected in a national referendum.
- 2014: Prime Minister Stephen Harper ceased appointing Senators, leading to a significant vacancy until 2016 when Justin Trudeau introduced a new merit-based appointment process.
Composition
- Number of Senators: There are currently 105 Senators, with seats distributed to ensure representation of Canada's regions:
- Ontario: 24
- Quebec: 24
- The Maritimes (Nova Scotia and New Brunswick): 24 (12 each)
- Western Canada (British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba): 24 (6 each)
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 6
- Prince Edward Island: 4
- The three territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut): 1 each
- Appointment: Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Since 2016, an independent advisory board has been involved in the selection process.
- Qualifications: Senators must be at least 30 years old, own property worth at least $4,000, and be residents of the province or territory they represent.
Role and Functions
- Legislative Review: The Senate reviews legislation passed by the House of Commons, proposing amendments or sending bills back for reconsideration.
- Representation: Senators represent regional interests, providing a balance against the population-based representation in the House of Commons.
- Committees: The Senate has various standing committees that examine bills, conduct inquiries, and oversee government operations.
- Public Awareness: Senators can raise awareness on issues through debates and inquiries, often focusing on less politically charged topics.
Controversies and Criticisms
- Appointment Process: The appointment of Senators by the Prime Minister has been criticized for lacking democratic legitimacy.
- Partisanship: Despite its intended role as an impartial chamber, the Senate has often been accused of partisan behavior.
- Expense Scandals: Various Senators have faced public scrutiny for their expense claims, leading to calls for Senate reform or abolition.
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