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Senator Downe Highlights Positive Role of Upper Chamber During Speech

January 28, 2005

The Canadian Senate’s role in the protection of minority and regional interests remains one of its most important responsibilities, Senator Percy Downe said in a January 28, 2005 speech.

The Senator made these remarks during a presentation to the Electoral District 23 Liberal Fundraiser in Ellerslie.

“The Senate has to be there to protect smaller and less-populated regions from the larger and more powerful,” Senator Downe said. “That’s one of the reasons why Senators are required to live in the regions.”

In keeping with that role, Senator Downe has been active recently in promoting the idea of decentralizing many federal institutions so that the regions of Canada will benefit from a heightened federal presence.

“The Senate takes its role of representing minorities very seriously,” he said. “The Senate gives a voice to those people in society that need it most by studying every piece of legislation with careful attention to its implications on individual Canadians.”

That approach is well-reflected in the make-up of the Senate, Senator Downe said.

“The Senate is much more reflective of society compared to the House of Commons. Women make up 51 per cent of the total population of Canada - but hold approximately 20 per cent of seats in the House of Commons. In the Senate women account for over thirty per cent, aboriginals account for five per cent and representatives of visible minorities account for 13 per cent.”

The Senate tends to be less-partisan than the House of Commons and Senators work not only on high profile issues that receive media attention but also on the unexciting work of reviewing legislation that can have tremendous impact on the lives of ordinary Canadians. The Senate reviews Government estimates and spending, something that gets little time or attention in the House of Commons. Senate Committees hear many more witnesses than the House of Commons Committee system, allowing Canadians to be heard, and have a say in government decisions.

Senate committees have been described as “the heart and soul of the Senate”. They are the most important means by which Senators contribute to public policy development. They provide a forum for the examination of legislation; they conduct investigations and develop reports.

In the last year, Senate Committees met 445 times. They heard from 1, 284 witnesses and wrote 144 reports.

The Canadian Constitution gives the Senate and the House of Commons much of the same powers. The two Chambers have evolved so that they coordinate and complement one another. This reality could change with the electing of Senators. The two Chambers could easily reach a stalemate situation without any avenue to resolve conflict. The Senate would become a Chamber of obstruction, with the ability to block the Government from passing legislation.

On a more basic level, elected Senators would become more political and focussed on re-election.

“I think most Canadians want a system where the two Chambers work together - in a way that assures a better government for Canadians,” Senator Downe said. “Does the Senate need to be reformed? Yes, after 138 years it is time for a careful review. But I believe the current Senate contributes greatly to Parliament - and I believe it is time to change the perception of the Senate so that Canadians can see it for the positive institution that it is.”

 
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