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Old 01-07-2010, 12:06 PM   #29
RedHot25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by WilsonFourTwo View Post
I'm interested to know why you feel that way. I agree with your points, but I think they're reversed.

The goal has ALWAYS been to stack the Senate in order to push through Triple-E reform (This goal has existed for a generation). I think that's what happening, and if those Senators happen to be sympathetic towards other legislation, that's the bonus.
I agree that Harper wants reform....but you can't dismiss his gaining control in the Senate "as if they happen to be sympathetic". He knows full well what he is doing; there are a couple of pieces of legislation I believed currently in the Senate that Liberal senators are trying to change or delay or something or other. don't kid yourself, this is about gaining control..as well as Senate reform.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava View Post
The problem has not been the number of senators alone though; provinces such as the maritimes and Quebec are going to fight this. There is is no way that a province such as Nova Scotia wants to enter into this discussion and not see gains as a result.

I also think that there is an interesting point in the article in the Globe and Mail this morninig about the provinces losing some power in the process. Once you start electing senators provincially to represent you then it does have to lessen the clout that a premier will have.
Yup, good article - http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1421705/
Senate reform plan sparks standoff with provinces: Eastern provinces with the most to lose vow to challenge Tories, insisting reform would involve constitutional change

A handful of eastern provinces are warning Prime Minister Stephen Harper to brace for a battle if his Conservative government attempts to force a controversial Senate reform plan through Parliament. The provinces, including Quebec and Nova Scotia, insist that transforming the Senate into an elected body with term limits is tantamount to a constitutional change that would require their blessing.
....

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, meanwhile, suggested his province would not give up historical guarantees that allocate it 10 Senate seats.
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