Senate Scandals:
Recently, there have been many scandals involving the Senate. In fact, there have been more scandals in the past 30 years, then ever before. Many of these scandals have been wildly popular in the media, and some of the most recent accounts have included assault and incorrect use of the benefits provided.
Recently, in Mike Duffy's scandal, he was not living in the province that he represented, and was abusing his benefits as a Senator. In doing so, he involved the Prime Minister, who had previously stated that he was unaware of Mike Duffy's actions. Senator Duffy claimed to pay off all of the money he owed, but really it was paid off with a cheque from Prime Minister Harper's office. This scandal, not unlike all of the other's, has made people question the reliability of Canada's government, including our Prime Minister and Senate.
How Do You Get Kicked Out?
The Senate can take away a senator's salary or benefits but they cannot take away their title or declare them a "non-senator". A senator can be suspended, or have their pay taken away. These consequences usually occurs when a senator behaves badly or when they fail to attend two sessions in a row.
A senator can be asked to leave, they may willingly retire, or retire at the required retiring age of 75, they can be removed if they are convicted for treason or a felony, if they stop owning property in the represented area, or if they declare bankruptcy. Lastly should a senator pass away their seat would be replaced.
Reform or Abolish:
The NDP Party has put up a website with a poll, asking whether the Senate should be fixed or ended. It provides many choices as to what should be done, and over 6,700 people have participated. The majority believes that the Senate should no longer exist. If you would like to participate and vote, go to reformorabolish.ca.
Recently, there have been many scandals involving the Senate. In fact, there have been more scandals in the past 30 years, then ever before. Many of these scandals have been wildly popular in the media, and some of the most recent accounts have included assault and incorrect use of the benefits provided.
Recently, in Mike Duffy's scandal, he was not living in the province that he represented, and was abusing his benefits as a Senator. In doing so, he involved the Prime Minister, who had previously stated that he was unaware of Mike Duffy's actions. Senator Duffy claimed to pay off all of the money he owed, but really it was paid off with a cheque from Prime Minister Harper's office. This scandal, not unlike all of the other's, has made people question the reliability of Canada's government, including our Prime Minister and Senate.
How Do You Get Kicked Out?
The Senate can take away a senator's salary or benefits but they cannot take away their title or declare them a "non-senator". A senator can be suspended, or have their pay taken away. These consequences usually occurs when a senator behaves badly or when they fail to attend two sessions in a row.
A senator can be asked to leave, they may willingly retire, or retire at the required retiring age of 75, they can be removed if they are convicted for treason or a felony, if they stop owning property in the represented area, or if they declare bankruptcy. Lastly should a senator pass away their seat would be replaced.
Reform or Abolish:
The NDP Party has put up a website with a poll, asking whether the Senate should be fixed or ended. It provides many choices as to what should be done, and over 6,700 people have participated. The majority believes that the Senate should no longer exist. If you would like to participate and vote, go to reformorabolish.ca.