Canada's Government Supports Saskatchewan Move on Senate

17 November 2008
Ottawa, Ontario

Ottawa – Statement from the Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State for Democratic Reform:

“I congratulate the Government of Saskatchewan for taking the historic step of introducing legislation to give the people of Saskatchewan a democratic voice in the Senate.

“Canada’s Government believes that Senate reform is necessary to ensure that our democratic institutions are ready for twenty-first century challenges. 

“In the last Parliament we introduced legislation to limit Senators’ terms in office to eight years and to give Canadians a direct say in who represents them in the Senate.  We will keep on working towards these goals. 

“Prime Minister Harper has already appointed a Senator who was selected through a provincial vote, and his clear preference is to continue appointing Senators that have been chosen by the people.

“We are committed to moving ahead with reform of the Upper House and I look forward to working with like-minded Provinces and Parliamentarians to create a more legitimate and democratic Senate.”

Vijay Chauhan
Office of the Minister of State (Democratic Reform)
(613) 952-6784