The Call for Senate Reform: An Implausible Demand

From shortly before Confederation in 1871, to the present day, the western population of Canada has felt isolated. The western Canadians feel as though the power holders in Ottawa have too much control. A phenomenon which has led to this feeling of alienation is an Upper House staffed with federal government appointees. When constitutional negotiations were occurring in 1980, the premiers and Prime Minister were discussing what kind of changes should be made to the Constitution. At the time, the premier of Alberta brought up what is now one of, if not the, major issue in the West: Senate reform. This issue has led the West to view Ottawa as having too much power. Furthermore, it has led to the feeling of alienation. This paper will discuss why Senate reform is desirable, but not possible.[...]