The powers of the Senate should also be reviewed. We cannot allow a Senate that has been transformed into a chamber of the provinces to have an absolute power of veto on the adoption of federal bills. This would really have to be a suspensive veto rather than an absolute veto.
At this time, we are facing the same problem with Bill C-20, on a more or less short-term basis. Let us suppose that the bill is adopted and that the Senate, bit by bit, is transformed into an elected chamber. This Senate would claim its democratic legitimacy, and then we'll have to settle the entire issue of relations between the Senate and the House of Commons. The Senate's powers could indeed be challenged, in such a situation. There would be two chambers, both claiming democratic legitimacy. Some senators might even claim more legitimacy due to the fact that they have been elected by an entire province.
These issues must not be taken lightly. These are fundamental issues facing federal parliamentarians. Those who are sitting in the House of Commons should get to work on this issue on a more or less long-term basis.