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Future of Canada's Senate needs 'serious debate'

Senate has been subject to patronage appointments by successive prime ministers, says letter writer Holly Pender-Love...

To the Editor:

(Re: “Canada's Senate needs to be reformed, not abolished”)

I was very pleased to see Peter Hepher’s letter to the editor regarding a reform of the Senate. I do not want to see the dissolution of the Senate. There have been times in the past when Senators saved Canada from poor legislation. Their function of second and sober thought is a wise one. Unfortunately, the Senate has been subject to patronage appointments by successive prime ministers.

I understand that Tommy Douglas and Stephen Harper had one concept in common: an elected Senate. Mr. Harper seems to have forgotten his strong position on that subject. If the NDP do form government, I would hope that there is serious debate as to what should be done with the Senate, rather than dissolving it. Let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water!

Holly Pender-Love

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