Harper renews call for Senate reform
Last Updated: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 | 12:22 AM ET
The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Stephen Harper reiterated his call for Senate reform Monday night at an event hosted by a B.C.-based senator who's held his seat for 17 years.
Senator Gerry St. Germain clapped and shouted "You got it!" as Harper told Conservative supporters that senators must have limited terms in office.
The Tories have been pushing for an elected Senate since taking office in 2006.
Currently senators must be at least 30 years old and can hold their seats until they reach 75, allowing for the possibility of 45-year terms.
"Forty-five years are too long, and friends, the Senate must become an elected institution," Harper said. "That's why we proposed legislation to enshrine my long-standing commitment."
The prime minister said he would appoint anyone to the Senate who democratically wins the seat.
"If a province holds a genuine, democratic election for the Senate, I will appoint the winner of that election to the Senate of Canada," he said.
"I've been saying that for 4½ years and they've only given me one elected senator."
PM arrives on ATV
Harper addressed the 1,000-strong crowd after arriving in a camouflage-coloured ATV at St. Germain's ranch in Surrey, B.C., one of several appearances he's made at the annual event, which has been running for 26 years.
Harper made his third stab in four years at bringing democracy to Canada's unelected Senate in late April. The new bill set out a voluntary framework for provinces to begin electing Senate nominees.
Harper would retain his power to appoint senators but would be committed to consider the names of nominees chosen in provinces that hold elections.
The voluntary framework is based on Alberta's Senate election model, which has resulted in the appointment of two democratically selected senators: Stan Waters in 1990 and Bert Brown in 2007.
The Harper government's two past attempts to democratize the Senate were more direct — they proposed a national process, coinciding with either federal or provincial elections, to consult voters on who should be named to the Senate.
Earlier in the day, Harper stood in front of a beluga whale while announcing $15 million in new funding for the Vancouver Aquarium. He will continue his stay in B.C. with a stop in Cranbrook on Tuesday.
