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Originally Posted by ikaris
What is exactly is the purpose of the senate? To me it's existence is entirely undemocratic. Historically they just tend to follow the will of the House of Commons (as they rightfully should).
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In theory, it exists to ensure that the different interests of Canada's many ethnic, regional and interest groups can have input on legislation when many times, there voices aren't heard in the democratic process. For example, one of the last senators the Liberals appointed was a distinguished Inuit woman. The Inuit (and many aboriginal group in general) tend to be under represented due to the limitations of the democratic process. Let's face it, democracy is not perfect. The Senate is supposed to be a check and balance so that the rights and opinions of the minority groups are not overrun by the will of the majority (which would happen in a pure democracy). Electing the senate pretty much defeats the purpose. It would be preferrable to not have one at all imo.
In practice though, you are right... many, if not most, are patronage appointments and a power game that the major political parties play.
As for this move by the Conservatives, it's not really a big deal, but I do question the timing after all that happened in the past 2 weeks. It looks like another partisan move at a time when partisanship is not needed.