Trudeau's Approach to Senate Reform is Lacking

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 108) February 10, 2016

Justin Trudeau is now Master of the Ship and after 100 days in office, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has demonstrated he is quite different from his predecessors – I haven’t decided if he is steering the ship in the right direction?  Trudeau’s decision to have gender parity in his first cabinet (based on a promise made prior to knowing who would be in his caucus) sets a dangerous president for future federal government appointments – including the 22 up-coming Senate appointments. 

Senate Reform, in Trudeau Style

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau grabbed headlines about two years ago when he announced an out-of-the-blue decision to remove the sitting Liberal Senators from his Liberal caucus – the 32 “former” Liberal Senators would sit as Independent Senators.  The justification for Trudeau’s decision was explained in an interesting way, the third ranking party leader felt that the Senate was too partisan and only existed to enhance the powers of the already, all-too-powerful Stephen Harper.  In Justin Trudeau’s view, if the Senate was to function as a chamber of independent, second, sober thought, it would have to be divorced from the whims and wishes of Stephen Harper in the House of Commons and his control of the Conservative-dominated Senate.

Senate Reform, Trudeau’s Strategy

While there has been a good number of suggestions on how to reform a scandalized Senate (including abolishment of the Upper Chamber), few have gone beyond the discussion stage,  and most trying to skirt the possibility of constitutional discussions and change.  Mr. Trudeau’s strategy is to circumvent the constitution, first by declaring those sitting as Liberal members of the Senate to be Independent. Now, Mr. Trudeau is seeking the advice of a 20 member committee (he formed) to offer their thoughts and recommendations on who should be appointed as Independents and filling the current 22 vacancies of the 105 seat chamber.  The goal of this strategy, in Mr. Trudeau’s mind, ends patronage appointments and over time will make the Upper Chamber more independent and relevant to Canada’s parliamentary democracy. 

Senate Reform, the Process

The process undertaken has three components.  First, establish an advisory body consisting of Canadians with “stature” and are credible to the Canadian population.  The advisory committee will then survey the regions where vacancies exist, assess the possibilities and judge those who might make a good Senator and refer names and recommendations to Prime Minister Trudeau - who maintains the sole authority to name Senators - in accordance with the constitution.  Second component, there will be a public input – although I haven’t seen one – to offer suggestions to the government or the advisory committee.  Third element of the process, there will be a provincial component, given that Trudeau wants the Senate to regain credibility with the provinces, confirming that the Upper Chamber is to represent Canada’s regions.  While the advisory body is functioning, little is being covered in the press and from what I have read, some announcements are close.  

Senate Reform, What’s Missing

While Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has to be congratulated on his Senate Reform initiative, the initiative as important as it is, it is not resonating with the public or the media.  The Mike Duffy trial is yet to unfold in the courts and there are other trials to come.  The Conservatives refuse to support the Trudeau strategy and NDP’s Thomas Mulcair just wants the Senate to go away.  The mood of Canadians against the Senate is one of confusion and the apprehension as to its role of the Upper House and when all is said and done, it is just a money sink-hole!  Here is a thought that might gain some respect from the Canadian public – using a cultural practice that exists in many Aboriginal communities.  The practice, instituting “elder” thought and respect into the Senate’s culture.  A culture that separates party politics from experience, wisdom and respect – a culture that looks at long term consequences over short term elections.