The Senate of Canada has long been a place of intrigue and controversy, and the recent revelations about attendance records have only added fuel to the fire. While the Senate is tasked with reviewing government legislation and holding the executive branch accountable, the reality is that many senators are routinely absent from the chamber, raising questions about their commitment to their duties. In this article, I will explore the issue of absenteeism in the Senate, its implications, and the potential solutions to address this problem. I will also offer my own perspective on the matter and provide some insights into the broader context of Canadian politics.
The Problem of Absenteeism
According to a CBC News analysis, dozens of senators routinely miss key votes in the Red Chamber. In the 12 months following the last federal election, the Senate convened for just 76 sitting days, and only eight senators had a perfect attendance record. This is a concerning trend, as it suggests that many senators are not taking their responsibilities seriously. The reasons for absenteeism are varied, ranging from commitments elsewhere, time off, illness, and even brief attendance followed by an early departure.
One of the most striking aspects of this issue is the lack of consequences for absenteeism. Unlike in the House of Commons, where members can be held accountable by voters, senators are not subject to the same level of scrutiny. They are not running for office, and they are not accountable to voters. As Donald Savoie, a former member of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, noted, senators are only accountable to their conscience and God, and that's pretty loose.
The Implications of Absenteeism
The implications of absenteeism in the Senate are far-reaching. It undermines the legitimacy of the institution and erodes public trust in Canadian politics. When senators are absent from the chamber, they are not fulfilling their constitutional duties, and the government is not being held accountable effectively. This can lead to a sense of cynicism and disengagement among the public, particularly among young people.
Furthermore, absenteeism can have a significant impact on the legislative process. When senators are not present to vote on key pieces of legislation, such as the government's budget or anti-hate crime legislation, the outcome can be skewed. This can lead to a situation where the Senate becomes a rubber stamp for the government's agenda, rather than a critical check and balance.
The Role of Party Politics
The issue of absenteeism in the Senate is not new. In the past, there have been instances of senators being caught for frequently being in Mexico, and the problem has persisted even in the era of partisan politics. However, the current situation is different, as the Senate has been reformed to eliminate the use of whips who closely policed attendance and counted votes. This has effectively removed the pressure on senators to attend regularly.
The Way Forward
So, what can be done to address the problem of absenteeism in the Senate? One possible solution is to introduce a more robust system of accountability. This could involve requiring senators to attend a certain number of sessions or to vote on a certain percentage of legislation. Such a system would need to be carefully designed to avoid infringing on senators' freedom and independence.
Another approach could be to encourage senators to take a more active role in the legislative process. This could involve providing them with more resources and support to attend sessions and participate in debates. It could also involve creating a more engaging and interactive environment in the Senate, where senators feel more invested in the outcome of their work.
My Perspective
Personally, I think the issue of absenteeism in the Senate is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. It undermines the legitimacy of the institution and erodes public trust in Canadian politics. I believe that the Senate has a crucial role to play in the legislative process, and it is essential that senators fulfill their duties to the best of their ability. I also think that the Senate needs to be more accountable to the public, and that this can be achieved through a more robust system of accountability and a more active role for senators in the legislative process.
In conclusion, the problem of absenteeism in the Senate is a complex and multifaceted issue. It requires a careful and thoughtful approach to address, and it is essential that we find a solution that respects the independence and freedom of senators while also ensuring that they fulfill their constitutional duties. Only then can we restore public trust in the Senate and ensure that it continues to play a vital role in Canadian politics.
