Paper Summary:

This paper explains how the Canadian Senate works and relates that, whereas the Canadian House of Commons is elected by the people, the Senate is comprised of persons appointed by the prime minister. The paper then describes the qualifications, organization, duties, procedures and expanded role of the Senate, which is comparable to the British House of Lords rather than to the United States Senate. The paper also discusses the debate about whether or not the Senate should be reformed to be more responsive to the current problems of governance in Canada.

From the Paper:

"The Senate has also functioned as a national forum for discussion matters of public interest. Senators have also served as fundraisers and campaign coordinators. During elections, they assist in the election process and without requiring compensation otherwise due professionals who provide the assistance. And the Senate's role in provincial and regional representation and in protecting minority rights has made Canada the most decentralized federation in the world. The Parliament's ability or power to injure or overlook regional interests proved much less than the Fathers of the Confederation had envisioned."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Committees and Private Legislation Directorate 2001. the Canadian Senate in Focus. The Senate of Canada. Retrieved on October 22, 2008 fromhttp://www.parl.gc.ca/information/about/process/senate/legisfocus/focus
• Gibson, Gordon 2004. Challenges in Senate Reform. Number 83 Public Policy Resources. Frasier Institute.
• Hiebert, Daniel J. and Maureen G. Reed 2001. Canada. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia:Microsoft Corporation. Retrieved on October 22, 2008 from http://encarta.com/text_761563379_0/canada,html
• Makarenko, Jay 2007. Parliamentary Government in Canada: Basic Organization and Practices. Government and Institutions: Maple Leaf Web. Retrieved on October 22, 2008 from http://www.mapleleafweb.com/features.pariamentary-government-canada
• Munroe, Susan 2008. Responsibilities and Duties of Senators. Canadian Online: New York Times. Retrieved on October 22, 2008 from http://canadaonline.aboutcom/cs/parliament/a/rolesenators.htm?terms=up

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