Authors: Dr. Roger Gibbins & Robert Roach
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.”
Democracy is, however, a slow, messy, combative and often inefficient form of government. Listening to and incorporating multiple opinions and priorities is a complex process that requires time and compromise. As a result, democracy can rub up against the desire for governments that “get things done.”
Although the current Senate has the constitutional power to block the will of the House of Commons, it lacks the democratic legitimacy to do so on a regular basis because it is an unelected body. When the Senate does not exercise its constitutional powers it is seen as a waste of money and institutional space or, at best, a refuge for patronage appointments. When it does act, it is seen to be driven by partisan considerations as Senate appointees from past governments confront the elected government of the day. It is no wonder that Canadians are confused, frustrated and even angry.
However, an elected Senate would bring its own challenges to efficient governments as elected Senators would have the legitimacy and, to a degree, the mandate to tackle the government of the day. Thus Canadians with a thirst for efficient government may cast a wary eye on Senate reform, fearing its potential to seriously gum up the works of Parliament.
Concern about the efficiency of the federal government is just one of the many barriers to Senate reform. In order to overcome these barriers, Canadians need a vision of what a new and improved Senate could do. We have to shift the terms of debate from the problems of Senate reform to its democratic potential. The current focus on tactical issues such as term limits and the appointment process is not likely to capture the imagination of Canadians.
This brief discussion paper addresses this challenge by presenting four reasons why Senate reform is worth the effort. The goal is to inspire and inform a debate about the ultimate destination of Senate reform.