[Thunderball]

Until Canada does the right thing, bites the bullet, and sits down and renegotiates the Constitution, this is the best we can do.

Canada needs a US-style Triple-E Senate. Elected, Equal and Effective. Every province gets 2 representatives, and maybe 1 per territory or one for the entire North... whatever.

In the meantime, this actually puts a clamp on cronyism, moreso than encouraging it. If Ontario decides to elect a full slate of NDP senators, PM Harper/Dion would have to appoint them under fear of backlash. Sure it helps the traditional conservative base, but really, Harper could just as easily appoint all his buddies to fill all the vacancies if he wants. I think this is acknowledging that Fortier is something PMs shouldn't be able to do.

Anyone who says granting power to the people is irresponsible clearly doesn't understand democracy, don't respect it, or don't seem to agree with it. Appointments to "protect minorities" is not democracy, its authoritarianism, and a typically convenient excuse for cronyism. One needs to trust the people to recognize the need to protect minorities from tyranny of the majority... not have that thrust upon people... that's not the way its supposed to work.

As mentioned, Reform/CA/CPC have always advocated Senate Reform... this is not something unexpected and being done cause they want to promote cronyism. This is binding consultation for appointment... a step up from whimscial appointment.