Re: “Senate reform up to senators,” editorial, Oct. 8.
Senators are essentially unaccountable. Their position is a quirk in our constitution that endows them with this invulnerability.
They proclaim the need for legislative oversight, independent thought, etc., as a justification for their existence. But none of the provincial legislatures features a senate as part of their governance structure, and I cannot see their legislative performance as in any way inferior to that of the federal government.
Senators are there because of a quirk in the constitution. But there is another quirk in the constitution that holds some promise for those of us who want the Senate gone. They are all appointed by the prime minister. If a prime minister does not appoint senators, it will only be a matter of time before the institution withers on the vine.
Stephen Harper had finally figured that out at the end of his term in office, but unfortunately Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is busy stocking the Senate once again with his personal appointees. Each of these appointees will cost the taxpayers dearly, and each senator will remain unaccountable to anybody but the media.
I want the power to appoint senators to remain with the prime minister. It is one possible road to the future abolition of this unelected and unaccountable house of privilege.
Robert Pellow
Parksville
