The need for an elected canadian senate

The Canadian Senate has long been a topic of contention. Unlike the US, where the Senate is designed to equal out representation, regardless of population, the Canadian Senate is a patronage appointment by the PM, and they are basically there to rubber stamp legislation. Many Senators in Canada rarely even attend sessions. An elected senate could address these concerns, regarding transparency and democratic input. Every Canadian knows that the elections are won and lost basically in Ontario, where the bulk of the population resides. For example, Alberta votes primarily conservative but their votes don't matter in the grand scheme of things. However, if every province had two elected Senators, who actually reviewed legislation and were accountable to their constituents, Canada would have equal representation across the country as any legislation would need to pass both Parliament and an accountable Senate. Please see below why it is crucial , based on Canada's population dispersion, that an elected Senate would be nothing but beneficiary to the nation.

1) Enhanced Democratic Legitimacy

Our current Senate is a joke. They do nothing, rarely show up for their duties, and rubber stamp all legislation that is passed by Parliament. However, if Canada was to adopt an elected Senate, there would be a much greater representation of the will of the Canadian people. If Senators were chosen directly by voters, with term limits, they would no longer be useless, but would have a clear mandate to represent regional interests. This legitimacy would empower the Senate to function as a true chamber of checks and balances by region, because right now, they are nothing but patronage appointments for service to a PM.

2) Increased Accountability

With an elected Senate, combined with term limits, would create an accountable body to their constituents. The intention would then be for Senators to prioritize their province's agenda and promote legislation that benefits their region. Regular elections would also provide a mechanism for voters to hold their Senators responsible for their actions and decisions.

3) Improved Regional Representation

There is no doubt that the Canadian Senate, due to its appointment system, severely limits its effectiveness. In contrast, an elected Senate could much better reflect the diverse voices of Canada's provinces and territories. This would ensure that regional concerns would be far more effectively addressed in federal policymaking.

4) Strengthened Legislative Oversight

Instead of being a body of useless, ineffective, and rubber stamping patronage appointments, an elected Senate would play a more active and credible role in legislation review. This is key, as it would greatly enhance the checks and balances within Canada's current parliamentary system. This second check and balance would undoubtedly greatly reduce the passing of poorly constructed laws (see the current Liberal party track record), being passed with insufficient scrutiny.

5) Increased Public Confidence in the Political System

An elected Senate would boost Canadians' confidence in their political institutions, knowing that there was a second check and balance that allowed all provinces to scrutinize legislation. The majority party would no longer have the ability to simply pass legislation that may be adverse to many provinces. A truly transparent and participatory selection process would demonstrate a commitment to actual democratic principles. This in turn, would be a great step towards rebuilding trust in government, which in Canada, has basically been erased by the radical progressive Liberals, who rule with impunity.

In conclusion, transitioning to an elected and accountable Senate, each province and territory would have an equal voice in the second legislative body. Our current patronage appointed Senate, which does nothing except pay people who can't be bothered to attend hearings or other functions, as they cannot be fired, is antiquated and not representative of Canadian democracy. However, an elected Senate, such as the US model, represents an opportunity to modernize Canada's democracy and properly align its institutions with contemporary values of accountability and fair representation. While there would be stern opposition to this sweeping reform, embracing this change would signal Canada's continued commitment to evolving from an outdated system to a more vibrant and democratic nation