Senate Reform in Canada: The Case for an Elected Senate

Senate reform is an issue that has been a topic of discussion and debate in Canada’s political sphere for almost as long as Canada has existed as a country. The Canadian Senate is an institution formed at the time of Confederation, and its structure, role and, composition embody the spirit of compromise that laid the foundation for Canada to come into existence. Unfortunately, the Senate that was established a century and half ago is now an institution that has failed to evolve in order to adequately serve the needs of Canada and its modern day political reality. This research paper will explore the role of the Senate and the reasoning for its creation. In addition, this paper will argue in favour of Senate reform and it will examine the advantages for Canada that establishing an Upper House of Parliament that is elected, equal, and effective may have.