Politics: Canada: Harper's new plan for Canadian Senate, Old Guard objects

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Ottawa Citizen carries a report by Allan Woods, 'A new era in Canadian democracy'Harper unveils legislation for Senate changes; critics deride plan as a quick-fix 'gimmick' (Dec14,2k6).

Prime Minister Stephen Harper launched the first strike in his re-election campaign, tabling legislation yesterday to consult Canadians on Senate appointments and lauding the achievements of his government as its first session of Parliament drew to a close.

The prime minister, in an address to the Conservative party caucus, said his proposed Senate changes will ask Canadians who they would like to represent their province in the upper chamber, a move he said would usher in "a new era in Canadian democracy."

"After a century-and-a-half, democracy will finally come to the Senate of Canada," said Mr. Harper, who has already introduced legislation to limit the terms of senators to eight years.

"This bill will see voters choose their preferred candidates to represent their provinces or territories."

The government envisions Canadians completing a Senate ballot to fill vacancies when they go to the polls in federal elections, which are normally held every four years.

The vacancies will be filled as the current crop of appointed senators retires.

"The prime minister, under the present system, can consult with no one. ... We are choosing to consult with provinces on a provincewide basis and we think that's a better way," said government House leader Rob Nicholson.

"This expands the group of individuals that the prime minister consults with for a Senate appointment."

Opposition parties are already raising doubts about the legitimacy of the Conservative party's major election commitment.

They described the legislation as a half-measure and a quick-fix "gimmick."

There exists a widely held belief that it will not pass into law and will become an issue in the next election, expected early in 2007.

But Harper is quoted today as not planning to call a Spring 2007 election.

"I think what the prime minister wants to do is completely irresponsible," said Liberal leader Stephane Dion.

Liberals believe Parliament should first deal with the underrepresentation of British Columbia and Alberta, which have six seats each in the Senate, as opposed to Nova Scotia's 10 seats, despite its smaller population. Those changes can only occur with changes to the Constitution and with the support of provincial premiers.

"The resolution of Senate reform is more than (fixed) terms, more than a consultative process," said Senator Dan Hays, the leader of the Liberals in the Senate. "I guess the real question is can that be done in a realistic way without engaging the provinces. At this point, I'll reserve judgment, but I have grave doubts."

Already, B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell has come out against the bill, saying matters of provincial representation should be dealt with first, or the Senate should be abolished altogether. Quebec Premier Jean Charest said he wanted to study the legislation "very closely" before passing judgment on it.

Charest has since come out against the Harper proposal

Mr. Charest's intergovernmental affairs minister, Benoit Pelletier, has said previously that major Senate changes affecting the provinces should proceed through formal constitutional amendments.

The Bloc Quebecois and the New Democratic Party believe the Senate should be abolished and will likely vote against the legislation.