Senate Reform Or Abolition?

"The legitimacy of the place is under attack on a pretty regular basis." Mr. Segal says he would personally vote against abolition because he feels the Senate offers regional and provincial interests and can be a check on poorly drafted laws rushed through the Commons. He notes, though, that Canadians never voted for an appointed Senate. Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who wants to reform the Senate, last week warned it against stalling his big crime bill. There would be consequences, he said, without detailing what those might be. He has said several times that abolishing the Senate would be an option if it cannot be reformed. But Mr. Segal said he's not a stalking horse for the Prime Minister. "He can do better than me on that front." If the motion passes the Senate - and the Liberal majority in that house isn't supportive right now - it would constitute a formal request to the cabinet to hold a referendum. He said he thinks the Harper government would welcome a chance to ask Canadians what they want. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20071024.SENATE24/TPStory/National [Proofreader’s note: this article was edited for spelling and typos on October 25, 2007]

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