By Alex Binkley
True North Perspective
Because Prime Minister Harper doesn’t take well to advice from the news media, especially a member of the loathed Parliamentary Press Gallery, I turn to True North Perspective to pass on my proposal for reforming the Senate.
It’s a topic that should get the PM’s attention. He’s talked a lot about fixing the Upper Chamber with elected senators restricted to eight-year terms instead of the appointed political hacks. To achieve that reform, he needs to gain the support of the Senate and the provinces. You know the old phrase until the cows come home. In other words, Harper’s confrontational approach won’t succeed any time soon.
However, there’s a golden opportunity to gain Senate reform lite that most Canadians would applaud and would go a significant way to achieving to Harper’s goal. There are some excellent senators now; just not nearly enough.
There are 105 seats in the Upper House. Currently 14 are vacant with three more senators reaching the retirement age of 75 this year, 12 next year and eight in 2010. There’re other senators ready to step down but they don’t want to deplete the ranks any faster.
So assuming Harper remains PM after the election that will probably be called this fall, and continues his current policy of not replacing retirees, the Senate will be one quarter vacant by this time next year. Whether one likes the Senate, it does have a role in the Parliamentary system beyond its overblown title as the chamber of sober second thought. But it won’t be able to fill it at reduced strength.
So here’s my solution. Get out the list of Order of Canada members (don’t worry, Henry Morgentaler is too old) and look at the folks who are between 67 and 75. Now most of the appointees are there in recognition of their service to the country. There’re a lot of sharp and creative men and women in that group it who would gladly take a Senate appointment. It’s a great job and a perfect way to cap an active career. If you don’t believe me, ask my old reporter colleague Jimmy Munson.
If people are picked at 67 or older, then they will be in the Senate for no more than Harper’s goal of eight years. Choose people who aren’t overly political and perhaps the Senate will evolve into a more productive role rather than the silly bugger delayer of government bills for purely political reasons.
Lamentably, it has gone largely unnoticed that during the last few months, the Senate committees have produced reports on a wide range of topics that are full of good recommendations. While the Harper government suffers from Not Invented Here syndrome, it might want to pay some attention to the contents of those tomes. They’re based on hearings across the country and there’s some thoughtful work in them.
With a full complement of engaged senior Canadians, who knows what useful work the Upper House could perform.
Electing senators would just add to the political gamesmanship and grandstanding that Canadians are justifiably tired of. But few would say the Senate as it is is worth preserving.
Try it, Stephen, you might like it. And it won’t hurt politically.
______