Canadians may soon be able to elect their Senators if Prime Minister Stephen Harper has his way.
The Canadian constitution requires that Senators be appointed by the Prime Minister and serve until aged 75. Mr. Harper intends to get around this with a law stating that only those who have won an election should be appointed. Changing the constitution has proved too difficult.
“Imagine that. After a century and a half, democracy will finally come to the Senate of Canada” declared Mr. Harper according to a Reuters report.
The Prime Minister also stated that he wanted elections by proportional representation, though that might not be possible at first.
The legislators in Britain’s second chamber are appointed or inherited their seats. Legislation to change this is expected in the near future. It is feared, however, that a proportion will continue to be appointed and not be accountable to the people.