Senate Reform A Priority

Now that Auditor-General Michael Ferguson has confirmed what most Canadians already knew, it seems apparent that a simple tightening of the rules will not be a sufficient remedy. Spending in excess of $23M to uncover less than $1M in questionable expense claims will only be considered value for money if across-the-board changes are implemented. Senate reform should not be limited to more accountability about expense claims. Change must include how senators are selected and the process followed that will ensure only the most suitable are selected, with the main criteria being what the person can do that will make a positive contribution to Canada rather than a political party. Notwithstanding the government's current preoccupation with what is going on in other parts of the world, this needs to be an election issue.