The Red Chamber's attendance issues have sparked a debate on the role and accountability of senators. With dozens of senators routinely missing key votes, the question arises: Is the Senate living up to its constitutional responsibilities?
In this article, we delve into the reasons behind these absences, the implications for Canadian politics, and the potential solutions to ensure a more engaged and effective Senate.
The Absenteeism Trend
It's no secret that senators have been absent from the Red Chamber, with only a handful maintaining perfect attendance records. The reasons vary, from commitments elsewhere to illness, resulting in anywhere from one to 54 missed days.
One intriguing trend is the practice of senators briefly attending, being marked present, and then leaving shortly after. This phenomenon is more common on Thursdays, the final day of the three-day sitting week, suggesting a desire to leave Ottawa early.
Implications and Perspectives
The implications of these absences are significant. For instance, some legislative changes have passed with barely half of the senators casting votes. This raises questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of the Senate's decision-making process.
From my perspective, this trend highlights a potential disconnect between senators and their constitutional duties. While senators have responsibilities beyond the chamber, the core function of the Senate is to review and scrutinize government legislation.
Addressing the Issue
Senators and sources within the Senate recognize the problem and have vowed to address it. However, the challenge lies in the absence of 'whips' who previously policed attendance. With senators now free from party pressure, enforcing attendance becomes more complex.
Conservative Senate Leader Leo Housakos emphasizes that serving in the Red Chamber is not a part-time position. He suggests that frequent absences, particularly during votes, raise legitimate questions about an individual's suitability for the role.
A Historical Perspective
Interestingly, attendance issues are not new to the Senate. Even during the 'partisan' era, there were instances of senators being absent, with one senator famously spending time in Mexico instead of attending sessions.
This historical context underscores the need for a cultural shift within the Senate to prioritize attendance and engagement.
The Impact of Reforms
Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent overhaul of the Senate appointments process signals a desire for change. Carney emphasizes the need for strong and effective representatives, suggesting that the current attendance record may not align with his vision for an ambitious legislative agenda.
The Role of Accountability
Donald Savoie, a former member of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, highlights the lack of accountability as a key issue. Unlike MPs in the Commons, senators are not elected and thus face no electoral consequences for their attendance record.
Savoie argues that this lack of accountability fuels cynicism towards Canadian politics, especially among young people.
A Call for Action
With the Senate's attendance issues in the spotlight, it's time for a comprehensive review of the chamber's practices. This includes examining the balance between senators' responsibilities beyond the chamber and their core duties within it.
Additionally, exploring ways to enhance accountability, such as introducing more stringent attendance policies or considering term limits, could be worthwhile.
Conclusion
The Red Chamber's attendance issues are a symptom of a larger problem: the need for a more engaged and accountable Senate. While the Senate's role has evolved over time, its core function remains critical to Canada's democratic process.
By addressing these attendance concerns, the Senate can regain its legitimacy and fulfill its constitutional responsibilities more effectively.
