Mr. Speaker, today I would like to add a powerful influential voice to the argument in favour of an elected Senate.
Here is a quote: “The Liberal government in two years will make the Senate elected. As Prime Minister I can make that happen. ” That was the person who is now the Prime Minister making a speech in Alberta in October 1990.
Here is another quotation from this influential voice: “To meet the hopes and dreams of those who live in the west and the Atlantic, a reformed Senate is essential. It must be a Senate that is elected, effective and equitable”. I am quoting the Prime Minister of the country who said those words right here in the House of Commons on September 24, 1991.
Why does the Prime Minister now argue against an elected Senate? If his words in the past meant anything, he should now be working hard to achieve these reforms. He is powerful and influential. Albertans are getting sick and tired of his continual excuse making. Let him get on with the job and do it.