That is a question which many generations
of Canadians have asked themselves.?
Many ideas for reform have arisen form this dialogue, but why haven?t
Canadiatopic I came across many rather insightful and humorous quotations that
I am going to share with you.1.Senator Eugene Forsey commenting on the
1987 meech Lake proposal: The transformed Senate will have all the
legal powers of the present Senate.?
Most notably the power to reject, absolutely, any bill whatsoever.? But it will have a political clout the
present Senate cannot even dream of.?
Its members will take seriously their job of representing provincial and
regional interests, and if that makes trouble A Reformed Canadian Senate?That is a question which many generations
of Canadians have asked themselves.?
Many ideas for reform have arisen form this dialogue, but why haven?t
Canadians accepted any of those proposals? First, Canada as we know is governed
federally by a parliament that consists of the the Monarch, the Senate, and the
House of Commons.? These three bodies
tend to work harmoniously with one another to allow the government of the day
to carry out its business efficiently.?
This synchronism of the federal parliament has also been criticised for
in effect giving the governing party a five-year dictatorship.? One of the largest contributors to this
apparent lack of accountability of the federal government is the ineffective
senate.? The senate was established as
the chamber of sober second thought but it contemporary practice it has to a
great degree become the chamber of the second rubber stamp on a bill?s way to
the governor general.? The reasons for
the senate?s lack of effectiveness are apparent to us all:1.?
Senators lack credibility as they are appointed 2.?
As senators are appointed by the PM they are effectively puppets of the
federal government 3.?
The unequal provincial representation makes it nearly impossible for
senator?s to adequately defend their province?s interests. As well recent scandals involving the
attendance of senator?s have all contributed to the public?s unfavourable view
of the senate.Many proposals for senate reform have been
made over the years a few of them being:1.The House of the federation, where in the
constitution there should be a role for provinces in selecting members of the
senate, as well as a greater representation of the western and Atlantic
provinces in the upper house.2.One proposal from 1908 suggests that 1/3
of senators be appointed by the federal government, 1/3 by the provincial
government, and the remaining 1/3 by universities and public bodies.3.Recent proposals have included the German
Bundesrat model whereby the provinces would send delegations to represent them
in the federal senate.4.In 1984 it was recommended by a special
Joint Committee on Senate reform that the senate be elected directly by the
people.5.The previous proposal is the basis for
the current triple E senate, elected, equal, and effective, which the Reform
party of Canada is currently proposing.6.There is also a movement for the
abolition of the senate with political backing form the New Democratic Party of
Canada.Variations on these proposals have been
made over the years but none have them have been widely accepted by the Canadian
people, why?1.One of the reasons that the many house of
federation, or mixed appointment and elected models have failed is a result of
the publics negative perception of the appointment process.? By giving the provinces power to name
senators it would give the premiers the ability to perpetuate the patronage
process and thus reduce the credibility of the reformed senate.? It would take the criticism of the senate
away from the federal government and place it in the provincial arena.? There is a benefit to this proposal that
could lead to further senate reforms over time.? If it were the responsibility of the provinces to appoint
senators it is reasonable to assume that in certain provinces there would be a
push towards electing senators provincially.?
This idea is not too far off, ?as
in Alberta we have seen this occur even without the provincial authority to
appoint senators, thus it is reasonable to predict that if the provinces had
the authority to appoint senators that the process of senatorial selection
would become more popular elsewhere. 2.The largest stumbling block to a triple E
senate has been Quebec and Ontario?s apprehension to reducing their influence
within the federal government.? Under
the triple E proposal their representation would be significantly diluted. 3.There are also the questions of how
effective we would want the senate to be??
Should it continue to have the same legislative powers as it currently
does?? If not what powers should it
exercise?? If it retained the same powers
many have argued that that we would be creating a second house of commons that
would only slow down the process of government as well as increase the cost of
government conducting its business.? Proponents
of the triple e senate argue that that is the reason we need a reformed senate,
to disable the government from trampling over provincial rights and to limit
the ?Government?s
ability to rush through legislation that deserves sober second thought.4.There is also no incentive for the
federal government to agree to senate reform as it would significantly lessen
their importance in parliament.? The
only acceptable proposals that would appear to satisfy the federal governments
desire to maintain control would be keeping the status quo, or the complete
abolition of the senate.As you can see it is apparent that there
are many reasons for why senate reform proposals have not been broadly accepted
by the Canadian populace.? Regrettably
it is often not the proposed reform that is rejected it is the additional constitutional
reforms that have been in the past packaged along with senate reforms.It seems even some members of the upper chamber
don?t see it as being an effective tool in parliament.The senate has been severely
criticised for its action…? I f we
enact legislation speedily, we are called rubber stamps.? If we exercise the constitutional authority
which the Senate posses under the British North America Act, we are told that
we are doing something that we have no right to do.? I don?t know how to satisfy our critics?3….the importance of this question in the
minds of the statesmen at Quebec may be gleaned from the fact that practically
the whole six days out of a total of fourteen spent in discussing the details
of the {union} scheme were given over to the problems of constituting the
second chamber.If the upper chamber was that important to
the founding Father?s perhaps we should follow their example and not rush when
it comes to reforming the upper house.? I would encourage any of you have any
concerns about the senate or would like any further information to contact the
senate too free at 1800 267 7362.? There
you can contact any senator too free and from my experience they are more than
happy to assist you.?kes it nearly impossible for se
Другие работы по теме:
American Media Dominating Canadian Culture Essay Research
Paper American Media Dominating Canadian Culture The possibility of the American media taking over Canadian culture has always been an intimidating issue for Canadians over the past few decades. It has been known that the American model of life is one that is very different from ours and that the ?americanization? of Canada could prove to be a threat of losing our own values and beliefs.
House Vs Senate Essay Research Paper When
House Vs. Senate Essay, Research Paper When the Constitution was written, there was turmoil over what the legislative body would be like. Representatives argued and fought for hours until a compromise was made. The legislation would be bicameral so that both small states and large states would get equal representation.
Want To Be A Canadian Essay Research
Paper Want to be a Canadian? I have been in Vancouver for one and half year, so I have seen many Canadians. Since I was asked to write something based on my experience in
Chrysalids Essay Research Paper In the words
Chrysalids Essay, Research Paper In the words of the Houghton Mifflin Canadian dictionary, deviation is defined as “an abnormality, a departure”. David Strorm, the protagonist in the
Canadians And Americans Essay Research Paper Canadians
Canadians And Americans Essay, Research Paper Canadians and Americans There is much that has distinguished the Canadian experience as different from thatwhich has, and continues to, define the American experience. At first glance, superficiallyCanada and the United States share many aspects in common, for as one comedian oncestated “Canadians are just unarmed Americans with health care”, and for the most part,this is the common belief, as viewed by other nations in this world.
Canadians And Americans Two Different Societies Essay
, Research Paper Canadians and Americans There is much that has distinguished the Canadian experience as different from that which has, and continues to, define the American experience. At first glance, superficially
Presidentialism Essay Research Paper PresidentialismDemocracy has many
Presidentialism Essay, Research Paper Presidentialism Democracy has many subdivisions, countries must chose the optimal system for their situations. The main two systems of Democracy are Presidentialism and the parliamentary system. By weighting the pros and cons of each system countries must chose an effective form.
Henrietta Edwards Essay Research Paper HENRIETTA MUIR
Henrietta Edwards Essay, Research Paper HENRIETTA MUIR EDWARDS Born in Montreal on December 18, 1849, Henrietta Muir Edwards was one of Alberta’s “Famous Five Women”. She began her fight for woman’s rights at her home in Montreal with
Hcokey Night In Canada Essay Research Paper
September 27, 1999 Luke Rossy Hockey Night in Canada Over the past few decades, the Canadian sport of hockey slowly moved on to the United States and Europe. Only six teams remain in Canada and most of them are either just making enough money to survive or they are in dept. Only two or three Canadian teams are doing ok, fiscally that is.
Canadian GDP Essay Research Paper The output
Canadian GDP Essay, Research Paper The output or GDP of Canada has increased from 1995 to 1999. This means that more people became employed or productivity has risen. With the GDP on the rise, Canada is able
The Patriotic Canadian Essay Research Paper For
The Patriotic Canadian Essay, Research Paper For over 130 years, Canada still keeps its word. Our Fathers of Canadian Confederation expressed their firm commitment when they signed the British North Amerian Act 139 years ago. Peace, Order and Good Government. For as long as I can remember, Canada has promoted peace any way possible.
Internet Piracy Essay Research Paper In this
Internet Piracy Essay, Research Paper In this day and age where technology is rampant and advance, it is critical that we comprehend the possibilities that such technology has, no matter whether it is good or bad. From our very own households, we can now ?get connected? and experience this technology first hand.
Government Reform For A Better Canada Essay
, Research Paper The way Canada s Federal Government runs today, is not as effective or efficient as most Canadians would like. Changes have to be made to let Canada s government work better and run more in favor of the people. A number of areas that might be changed within Canada s democracy are: Senate reform, representation by population, free votes in the House of Commons, the institution of Members of Parliament recall and fixed election dates.
Canada Essay Research Paper This ISP is
Canada Essay, Research Paper This ISP is is about my views on the Canadian Constitution and what I think needs to be changed in it. Some topics I have chose to discus,
Woodrow Wilson Essay Research Paper During his
Woodrow Wilson Essay, Research Paper During his term of presidency, Wilson introduced the Treaty of Versailles in order to assist in the “covenant” of the League of Nations. The Senate defeated this treaty after a long and tiring debate. Despite the strength of the opposition forces, both liberal and conservative, the treaty could still have been passed, had a few changes been made.
War Measures Act Essay Research Paper War
War Measures Act Essay, Research Paper War Measures Act: 1942 As the Wong s were lead away from their house the general in charge was promising the family that they were only doing this as a precaution and that their house would be there awaiting there return when the government thought it to be appropriate. But Mr.
Canadian Film Industry Essay Research Paper ConclusionWe
Canadian Film Industry Essay, Research Paper Conclusion: We as Canadians watch movies on a weekly basis. On average, most people rent videos or attend the local movie theatre to attend and view the latest film. However, Canadians are not aware that they have become desensitized to the global Americanization of the U.S. film industry, which has been turned strong by Hollywood.
French Government Essay Research Paper The modern
French Government Essay, Research Paper The modern French government is run very much like the government of the United States. France is a democratic republic that is divided into three branches,
IDENTITY Is Not A Strong Enough Word
Essay, Research Paper How do others see Canadians, do Canadians have a unique national identity? Although the United States (US) has some influence on most countries, Canadian life revolves around the US, and sometimes, how much we hate Americans. Most countries cannot say that they are made up of two separate nations (English and French), Canada, on the other hand, can say this.
Computers Essay Research Paper Why We StartedInternet
Computers! Essay, Research Paper Why We Started Internet Mental Health is a free encyclopedia of mental health information. It was designed by a Canadian psychiatrist, Dr. Phillip Long, and programmed by his colleague, Brian Chow.
Julius Ceasar Essay Research Paper At the
Julius Ceasar Essay, Research Paper At the beginning Caesar defeats Pompey in war. The conspirators believe Caesar is getting to powerful and fear him because of it. So they group together and plot a plan to kill him. The conspirators got Brutus, Caesars friend, to help them. At the Senate on the Ides of March the conspirators stab Caesar one at a time.
Reforming The Senate Essay Research Paper Reforming
Reforming The Senate Essay, Research Paper Reforming the Senate One must address the three major problems with the Senate and the many solutions in order create a Parliament that would speak and act on behalf of Canadians in all parts of the country. The three main criticism of the Senate are that it over-represents the business leaders of the country, that it serves as a patronage device for the government party, and that the distribution of seats does not give equal representations to all regions of the country on basis of population, physical area, or regional interest.
Child Poverty Essay Research Paper CHILDREN AND
Child Poverty Essay, Research Paper CHILDREN AND POVERTY IN CANADA The purpose of this project is to discuss child poverty and child welfare practice. There is a need to critically examine the issue and situate the causes of
Crosscultural Communication Barriers Essay Research Paper Thesis
Cross-cultural Communication Barriers Essay, Research Paper Thesis: A number of different factors contribute to cross-cultural communication barriers. This thesis will be proven through the examination of Canada?s past history, current policies and future plans concerning immigration and assimilation of immigrants into Canadian society.
Canadian Senate Essay Research Paper The Canadian
Canadian Senate Essay, Research Paper The Canadian SenateToday the Canadian Senate does not do all that much for the Canadian government. It no longer does the job that it was created to do. It barely stops any bills that go through. They re paid a lot of money to just sit and do nothing. The Canadian Government could work fine without the Senate.
The Canadian Senate Essay Research Paper The
The Canadian Senate Essay, Research Paper The Canadian Senate By Andrew Donogh Today the Canadian Senate does not do all that much for the Canadian government. It no longer does the job that it was created to do. It barely
The Triple E Senate Of Canada Essay
, Research Paper The Triple E Senate of Canada Public interest in the Senate is currently stronger than it ever has been. Nearly everyone agrees that our present Senate is unsatisfactory.
Bank Manager Essay Research Paper The career
Bank Manager Essay, Research Paper The career that I have chosen to research is the Bank Manager. The bank manager has to have excellent people and communication skills, also they have to be
Canadian Health Care VS US Health Care
Essay, Research Paper One of the major differences between the U.S. and Canadian health care system is the payment system. In the United States, physicians are paid more for doing more, and the return on their time is higher if they perform a procedure than if they use their cognitive skills. Because of the fact that procedures often require hospital care, this approach translates into higher expenditures for hospital care.