Here’s where each province stands on Senate reform/abolition:
B.C.
“Our position is that the Senate should be fixed, or it should be folded. We believe that options for the Senate should be examined, with everything from changes to abolishment discussed. In British Columbia, we’re focused on economic growth to create jobs. Our goal is to provide the best services to British Columbians and we cannot let the debate about the Senate take us away from this important work.” (Statement from the Attorney General/Justice Minister Suzanne Anton.)
Alberta
“The issue of the Senate is one that will be debated in the next federal election. The position of the next federal government on the Senate will help determine whether this issue is a priority for us or not.” (Statement from Office of Premier Rachel Notley to Maclean’s in June. Office had nothing to add Friday.)
Saskatchewan
“The position of the government of Saskatchewan is similar (to the Prime Minister’s) in terms of preferring meaningful reform, what’s called Triple-E reform: a Senate that would be elected, effective and equal. … We’ve just simply come to the view, given what I’ve seen around the provincial table, there is no chance … for us to achieve a Triple-E Senate … the Prime Minister has just said is it’s up to the provinces and I hope provinces and territories would respond. ” (Premier Brad Wall at a joint news conference with Harper Friday.)
Manitoba
“It is the long-standing position of the NDP that the Senate should be abolished, just as Manitoba abolished its upper house in 1876. All too often, it serves partisan interests rather than the public interest. In 2013 the Manitoba Legislature passed a motion urging the federal government to engage the provinces in consultation towards the ultimate goal of finding consensus to abolish the Senate.” (Statement from the Office of Premier Greg Selinger to Maclean’s in June. Office had nothing to add Friday.)
Ontario
“Today’s announcement distracts from the urgent priorities facing Canadians, like infrastructure investments and retirement security. The Premiers met last week and unanimously called on the federal government to address urgent issues like jobs and the economy, health care, Aboriginal issues, and climate change. Unfortunately the Prime Minister declined to participate. We continue to urge the Stephen Harper to focus on these urgent priorities.” (Statement from Office of Premier Kathleen Wynne.)
Quebec
“Our position hasn’t changed, we want to reform this institution, so that the Senate can effectively play a real role for regional representation across Canada.” (Statement from Felix Rheaume, spokesman for intergovernmental affairs minister.)
New Brunswick
“Look, do we think there should be reform? Of course … However, there is always a role for the Senate to play as well … If changes need to happen, as we’ve said many times, the Supreme Court has made very clear to Prime Minister Harper that you can’t do that without consulting with the provinces … So he knows those rules. It’s unfortunate we’re just prior to … an election and all of a sudden he brings this issue again.” (Donald Arsenault, energy and mines minister, speaking to reporters Friday.)
Nova Scotia
“I’m prepared to have a conversation about change in the Senate, but it must be on the condition that we, as Nova Scotians, continue to have the same voice we have now in the upper chamber. We need to remember what the intent was when the Senate was created as an institution, to ensure equal representation for smaller provinces, along with being a chamber for sober second thought.” (Statement from the Office of Premier Stephen McNeil to Maclean’s in June. Office had nothing to add Friday.)
P.E.I.
“The Senate contributes regional balance and voice in our national institutions. Prince Edward Island supports these values and does not favour abolishing the Senate.” (Statement from the Office of Premier Wade MacLauchlan to Maclean’s in June. Office had nothing to add Friday.)
Newfoundland
“Clearly reform of the Senate is needed, and Premier Davis would support a comprehensive review and discussion on Senate reform.” (Statement from the Office of Premier Paul Davis to Maclean’s magazine in June. Office had nothing to add Friday.)
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Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s statements on Senate reform over the years:
Column in the Ottawa Citizen, Oct. 20, 2004
“Our country was one of the great economic and political successes of the 20th century. But our political system changed many times since Confederation. And many people think that it should better reflect the realities of a new century. For example, in other parts of Canada — the West in particular — there have long been demands for better representation of the regions in federal decision-making. As a result, both of our predecessor parties have favoured an aggressive approach to Senate reform, beginning with the election of future senators.”
Remarks before Special Senate Committee on Senate Reform, Sept 7, 2006
“Honourable senators, years of delay on Senate reform must come to an end, and it will. The Senate must change and we intend to make it happen. The government is not looking for another report — it is seeking action that responds to the commitments we made to Canadians during the recent federal election.”
Statement before the House of Commons, Oct 17, 2007
“Let me just say that I remain convinced the country deserves a reformed Senate, and an elected Senate for that matter, but the country needs the Senate to change, and if the Senate cannot be reformed, I think most Canadians will eventually conclude that it should be abolished.”
Speech from the Throne, June 2011
“Reform of the Senate remains a priority for our Government. Our Government will reintroduce legislation to limit term lengths and to encourage provinces and territories to hold elections for Senate nominees.”
Speech to party delegates in Calgary, Nov. 1, 2013
“So, friends, it is time for the Senate to show it can reform itself. The vast majority of Conservative senators want to do this.”
Harper response to Supreme Court of Canada ruling that he can’t make major changes to the upper chamber without provincial approval, April 25, 2014
“We know that there is no consensus among the provinces on reform, no consensus on abolition, and no desire of anyone to reopen the Constitution and have a bunch of constitutional negotiations … Significant reform and abolition are off the table. I think it’s a decision that I’m disappointed with. But I think it’s a decision that the vast majority of Canadians will be very disappointed with. But obviously we will respect that decision.”
Joint news conference with Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall on Friday
“All through my political career and over the last several years as Prime Minister, I’ve said repeatedly … that the Senate must be reformed and if it cannot be reformed it should be abolished. The fact of the matter is, as you know, Canadians remain divided over whether they want to reform or abolish the Senate. The Supreme Court ruled … that both reform and abolition would require unanimous approval of the provinces.
“Canadians are not divided on their opposition to the status quo, that is to an unelected, unaccountable senate. The government is not going to take any actions going forward that would do anything to further entrench that unelected, unaccountable Senate. For the past two-and-a-half years, since the Supreme Court decision and prior, I have not made any appointments to the Senate. There are now 22 vacancies in the Senate. And let me be clear. It will be our policy to formalize that. We will have a moratorium on further Senate appointments. This has two advantages: the first and obvious advantage is it saves costs. … But the second advantage of this approach is it will force provinces over time, who as you know have been resistant to any reforms in most cases, to either come up with a plan of comprehensive reform or to conclude that the only way to deal with the status quo is abolition.”
Compiled by Douglas Quan