Ever since Confederation the Canadian senates have been nothing short of a joke. Appointed senates cannot be representative or responsible government. At this time the conservative splinter groups are talking about elected senates. This is cheap rhetoric and shows a lack of understanding of a proper senate function. They are advocating elected provincial senators and then empower an un-elected Prime Minister to appoint those of his choosing to the federal senate. In the US, the senate is very special. It is the senior governing body and its election is mid term so that it can be completely separated from the general assembly election. There are only 100 elected senators; therefore great interest is focused on them. The American senate is extremely hard working, processing legislation in final determination before it becomes law. This body is also the disciplining body that represents the people. They even impeach presidents and governors. This is a function that cannot be done in Canada. Our Prime Minister and Premiers are not elected; therefore, they act with impunity. The weakness of the parliamentary system is that the government that does the real controlling of the people is unelected and that means that Canada is a government of Ottawa, by Ottawa, for Ottawa. Mr. Trudeau spelled out clearly when queried about the western provinces who were not represented effectively, without at the time even one Liberal MP elected in the four western provinces. He said, "If you want effective representation in this government you must send Liberals down to Ottawa. You elected us to rule you. If you don't like it, exercise your democratic right and vote us out in the next election." This means that in Canada we have been ruled by a virtual dictatorship between general elections and we are helpless to do anything about it. The 2nd extremely important function of the US senate is this. The midterm election is the weathervane of their political system. Halfway into a President's term in office, the senate elections reflect the mood of the people. It is this phenomenon that keeps congress and the President on their toes! How different it is in Canada! They are a more active informed people than we are. There is a much closer relationship between the government and the people.

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