What does the Canadian Senate do? The Canadian Senate, also known as the Senate of Canada, is a component of the Parliament of Canada, alongside the House of Commons. It plays a crucial role in the legislative process, serving as a chamber of sober second thought, providing a platform for independent and non-partisan advice to the government. In this article, we will explore the functions, powers, and composition of the Canadian Senate, shedding light on its significance in the Canadian political landscape.
The Canadian Senate is composed of appointed senators rather than elected representatives, with a current membership of 105 senators. Senators are appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister, and their terms are for six years, although they can serve until the age of 75. This appointment process ensures that the Senate remains independent of the political parties and allows for a diverse range of perspectives to be represented.
One of the primary functions of the Canadian Senate is to review and scrutinize legislation passed by the House of Commons. This process is known as “sifting,” and it involves analyzing the proposed laws for potential flaws, inconsistencies, or unintended consequences. The Senate’s role as a chamber of sober second thought allows it to provide a more thorough examination of legislation, ensuring that it is well-considered and in the best interest of Canadians.
The Canadian Senate has several powers that enable it to fulfill its role effectively. These powers include:
1. Amending legislation: Senators can propose amendments to bills passed by the House of Commons, which can either strengthen or weaken the proposed laws. This process ensures that the Senate has a say in shaping the final version of legislation.
2. Refusing to pass legislation: The Senate can reject a bill passed by the House of Commons, although this situation is rare. In such cases, the House of Commons can override the Senate’s decision with a two-thirds majority vote, making it more difficult for the Senate to block legislation.
3. Delaying legislation: The Senate can delay the passage of legislation, which can be used as a tool to gain more information or to address concerns raised by senators. However, this power is subject to the same override procedure as in the case of outright rejection.
4. Proposing new legislation: Senators can introduce their own bills, which can be related to any matter of public interest. These bills must be passed by both the Senate and the House of Commons before becoming law.
Despite its significant powers, the Canadian Senate has faced criticism for its perceived lack of democratic legitimacy. The appointment process and the fact that senators are not elected by the public have led to calls for Senate reform or even abolition. Proponents of Senate reform argue that the chamber should become more representative of the Canadian population, either through elections or by changing the appointment process.
In conclusion, the Canadian Senate plays a vital role in the legislative process by acting as a chamber of sober second thought and providing a platform for independent and non-partisan advice to the government. Its powers allow it to review, amend, and propose legislation, ensuring that the interests of Canadians are well-represented. While the Senate has faced criticism for its democratic legitimacy, its functions remain essential to the Canadian political system.
