The Senate

As the Senate was created, in part, to protect the interests of Canada's less populous regions, its makeup is based on regional representation rather than on representation by population. The 105 Senate members represent the provinces and territories as follows: Newfoundland and Labrador, 6; Nova Scotia, 10; New Brunswick, 10; Prince Edward Island, 4; Quebec, 24; Ontario, 24; Manitoba, 6; Saskatchewan, 6; Alberta, 6; British Columbia, 6; Yukon, 1; Northwest Territories, 1; and Nunavut, 1.

Speaker's Chair, The Senate of Canada Photo: Library of Parliament

Senators are appointed by the governor general on the prime minister's recommendation and can keep their seat until age 75.

The Senate votes to accept or reject government bills and looks at major social and economic issues through its special committees. It is not as powerful as the House of Commons, for while it can introduce bills, it cannot initiate any that impose taxes or involve an expenditure of public money.