Harper Government Drives Senate Reform Agenda Introducing Term Limits for senators reflects 21st century democracy, will of Canadians

March 30, 2010

The Honourable Steven Fletcher, Minister of State (Democratic Reform), joined by Senator Pierre-Hugues Boisvenu, today moved forward with the Government’s commitment to limiting the terms of Canada’s senators to one term of eight years.

“Our Government believes that setting term limits is an important first step in increasing the democratic legitimacy of the Senate,” said
Minister of State Fletcher. “Canadians are rightly questioning how senators with no democratic mandate can serve terms for up to 45 years.”

Senators can currently serve a term of 45 years if they are appointed at the minimum age of 30 years and serve until the retirement age of 75 years.

The Senate Term Limits bill proposes to limit the tenure of new senators to one term of eight years. The Bill’s eight-year term limit will apply to all senators appointed after the October 2008 general election, including the five recently appointed senators. The term limit would begin once the bill receives Royal Assent.

“Our Government continues to push for a more democratic, effective and accountable Senate,” said Senator Boisvenu. “Passage of this legislation would create a solid basis for further reform of the Senate.”

The Government of Canada is committed to pursuing comprehensive Senate reform, as we reaffirmed in the Speech from the Throne.


For more information, visit www.democraticreform.gc.ca