Senator says growing list of vacancies signals 'the end of an era' for independence (www.thecanadianpressnews.ca)

submitted 3 weeks ago by girlfreddy@lemmy.ca to c/canada@lemmy.ca

8 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Senators say they're concerned about the growing list of vacancies in the upper chamber, as the appointment process for new members remains unclear.

There are currently nine vacant seats in the Senate, with six more senators due to retire by the end of 2026. Prime Minister Mark Carney has not appointed any senators since taking office last spring.

The federal government's website says there are also 24 vacancies on the independent advisory board for Senate appointments, the body that provides non-binding, merit-based recommendations to the prime minister.

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[-] girlfreddy@lemmy.ca 17 points 3 weeks ago

They are of value because they double-check government bills and act as a check on governmental powers.

If we didn't have the Senate we could/would be in a world of hurt.

[-] Jhex@lemmy.world 5 points 3 weeks ago

agreed… the problem is when it gets politicised (remember the circus with Harper and Duffy?)

[-] girlfreddy@lemmy.ca 7 points 3 weeks ago

Yup. The Harper years were terrible. He is probably the worst PM Canada has ever had.

[-] trashcroissant@lemmy.ca 4 points 3 weeks ago

Ever had so far

[-] wraekscadu@vargar.org -1 points 3 weeks ago

In theory, yes. In practice, they're just a waste of money and time. Effectively, it's just the PM who appoints them. Hence, what ends up happening is that it gets packed with liberal and conservative donors who act as nothing but rubber stamps for Parliament's bills.

Here's the NDP's stance on this for example.