Senate Reform
The federal Throne Speech delivered on March 3, 2010, notes that Canada is “a country founded on democracy” and, in this context, states that the Government remains committed to Senate reform.
The Canada West Foundation is exploring Senate reform through a number of initiatives aimed at engaging Canadians in debate about his important issue, including the release of A New Senate for a More Democratic Canada which details how senate reform might lead to improved policy, better representation of the diversity of Canadians, a balancing of power between parliament and the PMO, and strengthened federalism.
The Canada West Foundation has also partnered with the Centre for Public Policy & Law at York University to hold joint forums which are webcasted and available online. The first forum was held in May 2010 in Toronto, Calgary, Quebec and Atlantic Canada. A follow-up forum will be held in the fall of 2010.