2007:01 CONCERNING PROPOSED REFORM OF THE CANADIAN SENATE
Whereas 1
the strength of the Canadian Senate has always been its ability to provide sober second thought about the substance of new legislation, and a longer term approach to issues, because of its relative immunity from the kind of political pressures which arise from the need to be re-elected; and
Whereas 2
in 2006 the Government of Canada proposed to introduce voting on preferred candidates for appointment to the Senate, which would be an attempt to make constitutional change without bringing in a constitutional amendment; and
Whereas 3
with an elected Senate, the Canadian Parliament would consist of two elected bodies, which could very well result in struggles for power between the two bodies and sometimes in stalemate; and
Whereas 4
retaining an appointed Senate would not preclude a thorough review of the appointment process, including criteria for selection and length of tenure, the importance of regional representation and equal representation of women; therefore be it
Resolved 1
that the National Council of Women of Canada adopt as policy that the Canadian Parliament continue to be made up of an elected House of Commons and an appointed Senate; and be it further
Resolved 2
that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to reject proposals for an elected Senate; and be it further
Resolved 3
that the National Council of Women of Canada urge the Government of Canada to undertake a thorough review of the process of appointment to the Senate to include:
a. continuing to support women by having women comprise 50% of the Senate within five (5) years
b. reviewing criteria for termination of service of Senators
c. considering the appropriate length of tenure for Senators
d. developing criteria for selection which reflect diversity and regional differences, with adequate representation of different sections of the population.