Mr. Speaker, let us take a look at the chamber of sober second thought. What is supposed to be an effective check and balance to the House of Commons has decayed into an institution with little credibility left in the eyes of the Canadian public.
Why is this? Could it be because of the embarrassment some senators place on themselves, one living in Mexico, another convicted of influence peddling?
The best solution to restoring the honour of the upper chamber is to have senators elected. This would enable the good hardworking senators to stay and get rid of those who are simply there for the ride. It would invigorate the sleeping hollow Senate and make it an active and vigorous place.
Support for an elected Senate is overwhelming; 84% of British Columbians, 91% of Albertans, all want their senators elected. It is time the Prime Minister stopped using the Senate as a resting place, a landing pad for his friends. He must do the right thing. Canadians want value for their tax dollars. They want a democracy. They want an elected Senate.