In the world of Canadian politics, the Senate, often referred to as the Red Chamber, has been under the spotlight for its attendance issues. The recent CBC News analysis has shed light on a concerning trend: dozens of senators routinely miss key votes, and some legislative changes are passing with barely half of the members present. This raises a deeper question about the role and responsibility of senators and the implications for Canadian democracy.
The Attendance Issue
Over the past year, the Senate has convened for a mere 76 sitting days, and yet, only a handful of senators, a mere eight, maintained a perfect attendance record. The reasons for absence range from commitments elsewhere to illness, with some senators missing up to 54 days. What makes this particularly fascinating is the trend of senators briefly attending, being marked present, and then leaving shortly after. This phenomenon, more common on Thursdays, suggests a lack of commitment and a casual approach to their duties.
The Impact of Reform
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's reform of the Senate, which eliminated the role of 'whips' who policed attendance, has seemingly backfired. With senators now free from party pressure, there is little incentive or mechanism to ensure their presence. This issue is not new; even in the 'partisan' era, attendance was a concern, with one senator famously absent due to their preference for Mexico over Ottawa. The current government, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney, has signaled a desire for change, aiming for a Senate that is 'equipped to advance ambitious legislation.' Carney's appointment of top adviser Tim Pitfield and Conservative MP Richard Martel to the Senate suggests a shift towards a more partisan approach.
Perspectives and Justifications
Conservative Senate Leader Leo Housakos emphasizes that serving in the Red Chamber is not a part-time job, yet he acknowledges legitimate reasons for occasional absence. Sen. Gigi Osler, leader of the Canadian Senators Group, believes a senator's responsibilities extend beyond the chamber, suggesting that attendance statistics alone cannot determine commitment. Sen. Lucie Moncion, facilitator of the Independent Senators Group, highlights the group's discussions on balancing responsibilities beyond the chamber. However, the data paints a different picture, with key votes on important legislation, such as the government's budget and anti-hate crime bill, passing with only 60 or 70 senators present.
The Absenteeism Penalty
Donald Savoie, a former member of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, highlights the lack of accountability and the absence of meaningful penalties for absenteeism. He argues that, unlike MPs in the Commons, senators are not running for office and are not accountable to voters. This lack of accountability fuels cynicism towards Canadian politics, especially among young people. The Senate's definition of 'other public business' as an acceptable reason for absence is vague and open to interpretation, allowing senators to justify their absences without consequence.
The Impact on Democracy
The low attendance in the Senate raises concerns about the effectiveness and legitimacy of the upper house. With key votes passing with barely half of the members present, the democratic process is compromised. The proliferation of public bills in Trudeau's reconstituted Senate has further distracted the body from its main constitutional responsibility of reviewing government legislation. While defenders argue that independent senators highlight previously unnoticed issues, the low attendance undermines the Senate's ability to fulfill its role effectively.
A Growing Disdain
Savoie's concerns about growing disdain for Canadian institutions are valid. The Senate, with its high salaries, staff, and social benefits, should be a place where senators prioritize their duties and show up for work. The casual approach to attendance and the lack of accountability erode public trust and confidence in the democratic process. As an expert observer, I believe that addressing this issue is crucial for the health of Canadian democracy. It is time for a serious discussion about the role and responsibilities of senators and the implications of their actions on the country's political landscape.
