I'm not sure which professor reminded us that the Senate is a relic of a much less democratic time. We're still trying to come to terms with amending this in a much more democratic era. But many things have also changed in how Canada has been structured. We are now in an era in which our provincial governments play increasingly important roles in the delivery of services. We have our large municipalities, the cities, wanting to become de facto states of sorts. Regional interests are becoming stronger. I don't think anyone would accuse Mr. Danny Williams of not being heard when it comes to representing the interests of his region, and Newfoundland and Labrador is a small province.
I'm wondering, if we have three levels of government and two of them are very strong, has the role of the Senate become a little less important in balancing off the role of the federal government?