Rather than looking at the short-term, think about the long-term ramifications if the Senate was no longer split along the lines of party. If the Conservatives followed the Liberals lead (hah!), then the Senate might actually become a legitimate institution separate from the House of Commons and not just a dangly, useless appendage to it.
I like the idea, myself. Independent senators would encourage PMs to find the best candidates, and would discourage appointing political hacks just to control their votes. Obviously it wouldn't be perfect, but it could be a lot better than it is now.
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Better educated sadness than oblivious joy.
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