QUESTION PERIOD — Public Safety
Senate Modernization
October 19, 2023
Senator Gold, on October 3, in response to Senator Plett, you told us that it is the wish of the government you represent that the Senate become more modern and less partisan. The following can also be read on your website:
. . . The GRO shepherds government legislation through the Upper Chamber, ensuring that it is thoroughly and efficiently reviewed. A major focus of the GRO is to support Senate modernization by advocating for a more independent, accountable, responsible and transparent Senate — one that conducts its deliberations in a less partisan manner.
Senator Gold, can you tell us if you consider your government to be well on its way to achieving its goal of a modernized Senate? Is this part of your mandate nearing completion?
Thank you for your question. It’s an important question. The truth is, we have taken some steps — both in the Senate internally and through legislation — toward a less partisan Senate that still, importantly, reflects the current reality that there are groups in the Senate not affiliated with political parties. However, we are not so far along that there is not more work to do.
We have been on record, both in the Rules Committee and in other forums, to argue that it is important that our Rules of the Senate now be brought into line with the Parliament of Canada Act that was passed and that governs our structures, deliberations and activities here. That job is not finished yet.
In addition, I would hope, whether it’s in my time or others, that more steps are taken to make this a more efficient, inclusive, family-friendly environment for all of us to work in.
