Welcome, Mr. Gibbins.
I am in favour of the abolition of the Senate. I do not believe in a second chamber. I believe that the House of Commons is capable of taking charge of its own responsibilities.
You stated earlier that Bill C-20 was a small step in the right direction. You however see in it elements that to your mind are inconceivable. You stated that after the holding of an election for senators, the Prime Minister could decide to snap his fingers at democracy and appoint someone else. This, to your mind, is inconceivable. You say that we are attempting to do something through the back door. Most constitutional lawyers have told us exactly the same thing. You also underscored the fact that the provinces would not be consulted. In the end, with Bill C-20, no one would be consulted; legislation devised for Lord knows what would simply be imposed. Furthermore, it will be very difficult to enforce.
What is that small step on the road to reform that Bill C-20 offers and that you mentioned earlier?