The recent Senator scandal regarding expense claims by Mike Duffy, Mac Harb and Pamela Wallin is another notch in the belt of Canada’s ongoing Senate woes.  The request for Senate reform began soon after Confederation in 1867 and continues to this day.  Yet despite numerous proposals over the years introduced by federal and provincial governments, all have failed.  Just this week, the Supreme Court of Canada rejected the Harper government’s request to abolish Senate or turn it into an elected body without a constitutional amendment.

Though the debate over Senate’s value continues, the fundamental arguments remain the same: critics contend that the Senate is a thoroughly flawed institution.    Advocates see it as playing a necessary role in the operation of Canada’s government.  What function does Senate serve in our democratically elected political process and should changes to its framework be made?  Leading constitutional expert Peter Russell will discuss the role of the Senate in Canadian politics.  He will answer your questions on whether Senate reform is needed, and if so, how change can be made. Senator Art Eggleton will be joining Peter to lend his perspective from inside the Senate.  He’ll discuss the types of changes he thinks can realistically be made and how to get both public and senate acceptance.

Join us Monday May 26, at the Duke of York Pub (39 Prince Arthur Avenue).

Please RSVP to let us know if you can join us at our Eventbrite page.  Doors open 7:00, discussion starts at 7:30.