Notes from an Insider: Some Bold Ideas on Senate Reform

Abstract

I have a stake in our succeeding in finding a way forward for the Senate, and not because I expect to be there a long time — in fact, I have less than two years before I reach the constitutional age of retirement. I believe the Senate can still serve a useful, indeed important, purpose for Canadians. I have seen its potential “up close and personal,” as they say, but I don’t believe it is reaching anywhere near that potential now.  In fact, it is very frustrating and sometimes even discouraging to witness what is going on. Boldness is indeed required for Senate reform, and I suspect that, for some, a good dose of courage may be needed as well.