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ARTICLE · 21 JUNE 2013

Strengthen The Senate By Respecting It

Gowling WLG
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The Senate of Canada has long been criticized as a bastion of cronyism, a waste of tax dollars, and an unaccountable rubber stamp.

CanadaGovernment, Public Sector
Jacques Shore
Jacques Shore
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The Senate of Canada has long been criticized as a bastion of cronyism, a waste of tax dollars, and an unaccountable rubber stamp. The latest expense-related scandals and caucus resignations in the Senate will only serve to further tarnish the Upper Chamber in the eyes of many Canadians. Despite some politicians now outright campaigning for its abolition, Canadians would be wise to give the Senate a sober second thought.
 
As a lawyer who addresses issues with government on behalf of clients, time and time again I have seen the integral role the Senate serves as a check- and-balance in the passage of legislation. It is not uncommon for bills to pass the House of Commons, only to have Senators propose amendments to close loopholes, fix mistakes or other concerns, that are ultimately accepted (if not embraced) by the House.

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