There are no longer any Liberal Senators

lone wolf

Grossly Underrated
Nov 25, 2006
32,493
212
63
In the bush near Sudbury
Leopard doesn't change its spots. He's Reform all the way. What better way to kill it than to seat your most vocal opponents then sink them in their greed and government doublespeak?
 

BornRuff

Time Out
Nov 17, 2013
3,175
0
36
Leopard doesn't change its spots. He's Reform all the way. What better way to kill it than to seat your most vocal opponents then sink them in their greed and government doublespeak?

I agree with you, but I disagree with you on what his spots really were all along.

Harper's true love has always been power, and he has always been willing to say whatever it takes to get that power. Back in the day, senate reform was an issue that he was able to use to help his rise to power. Once he had power, the senate became something that he could use to solidify his position.

On Justin;

This move by Justin looks good on him right now, but it is symbolic at best and self serving at worst.

The fact is that the Liberals gain nothing from having party discipline in the senate. They only have 32 seats to 57 conservatives. Any vote down party lines is lost, and even if they take back the PMO it will still be a very very long time before they could replace enough senators to regain a majority. If the power structure doesn't work in your favor, what do you have to lose by saying "**** it, burn it to the ground".

If they somehow could pressure the Conservatives into following their lead(which wont happen), it would give the Liberals more power in the senate.
 

damngrumpy

Executive Branch Member
Mar 16, 2005
9,949
21
38
kelowna bc
There could be a good reason for this. In the coming days or weeks the full
audit of all Senators will be made publick and I am sure there will be more
names added to the offenders list many of them Liberalls. Should be an
interesting ride through history
 

WLDB

Senate Member
Jun 24, 2011
6,182
0
36
Ottawa
Interesting and unexpected move. He may be able to kick them out of caucus but he cant actually revoke their membership in the party. A technicality but its still a tie to the party beyond "friendship." I dont think its partisanship that is the main problem with the Senate. They can and do vote however they want there rather than along strict party lines. Once they are in the Senate no one can really remove them unless they break the law which gives them the freedom to vote as they wish - unlike the House of Commons. Harper found that out the hard way when the Senators he appointed turned on him and his plan for Senate reform.
 

#juan

Hall of Fame Member
Aug 30, 2005
18,326
119
63
Gotta agree with the Kid on this one. But I am skeptical that Senators who are [air quotes] independent [end air quotes]will actually be that. The only way to rid this scourge will be to get rid of the whole kitten caboodle. The senate does not benefit Canada and has not for a number of years done anything to keep the serving government in check.

The "kid" is 43 years old. The "kid" is going to kick Harper's a$$, or McKay's depending who is still there.
 

WLDB

Senate Member
Jun 24, 2011
6,182
0
36
Ottawa
Harper wants it GONE.

He hasnt said anything like that while in office. Every proposal he has put forward on Senate reform are fairly small. Better than nothing but not a very big change, certainly nothing as radical as scrapping the whole thing. If he were to go that route Id be totally fine with it. Even the NDP would go along with that which would give a huge majority in the House. Of course that would mean opening the constitution and I dont see him doing that.

The "kid" is 43 years old. The "kid" is going to kick Harper's a$$, or McKay's depending who is still there.

Indeed. He is older than Joe Clark was when he was PM.
 

BornRuff

Time Out
Nov 17, 2013
3,175
0
36
The "kid" is 43 years old. The "kid" is going to kick Harper's a$$, or McKay's depending who is still there.

Harper was 44 when he assumed leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada. 42 When he was leader of the Alliance.
 

Goober

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 23, 2009
24,691
116
63
Moving
Definitely a good move. A non-partisan senate. Now if we can do that for Parliament.

Kelly McParland: Justin Trudeau declares, ‘Zap, you’re independent!’ | National Post

Mr. Trudeau says this is necessary for the good of the country. Many will agree the Senate badly needs change, but whether this is the solution remains open to argument. The Liberal leader says, as prime minister, he would introduce an “open, transparent and non-partisan appointment process for Senators.” It would be “developed … with experts and informed by other non-partisan appointment processes, such as that of the Supreme Court Justices and Order of Canada recipients.”

Check out how SCoC are nominated, then who makes the final choice.
 

Goober

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 23, 2009
24,691
116
63
Moving
So should we go in the opposite direction and make it mandatory for Senators to remain part of a party caucus?

Nope- Did not say that.
I trust none of them.
Again this is all PR.

"I am squeaky clean" "I will clean up the waste and corruption in Ottawa politics" "You can trust me, I will get the job done and bring back democracy" remind you of anyone in particular?
 

Machjo

Hall of Fame Member
Oct 19, 2004
17,878
61
48
Ottawa, ON
Nope- Did not say that.
I trust none of them.
Again this is all PR.

"I am squeaky clean" "I will clean up the waste and corruption in Ottawa politics" "You can trust me, I will get the job done and bring back democracy" remind you of anyone in particular?

You might be right, but still a step in the right direction.