Dear Editor: In the current debate about abolishing the Senate, it's important to remember that Mike Duffy and Pamela Wallin were appointed by Stephen Harper, not because he deemed them exemplary citizens who would labour in the interests of the Canadian people, but because they would be willing to use a public office to advance the narrow and singular interests of the Conservative Party. It's not unreasonable to assume that they came to the Senate already imbued with a sense of entitlement.
In other words, the problem is not the Senate per se. The problem is using Senate appointments as a means to install political supporters on the public payroll. The problem is a government that promises to reform the Senate but, instead, uses it to consolidate political power.
Bill Brassington
via email
