Two premiers lash out over PM's Senate appointments

The backlash over Stephen Harper's Senate appointments is growing. Harper says the three appointments of failed Conservative candidates will help push for Senate reforms.

NTV News: Fabian Manning speaks

Senator Fabian Manning says he is not surprised by any of the reaction to his re-appointment to Senate. He also discusses whether he had a deal with the prime minister to be re-elected if he lost in the election.

NTV News: Michael Connors on the anger

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is coming under fire by opposition for his Senate appointments. Many are frustrated that Fabian Manning has been appointed back to Senate.

CTV Montreal: Camille Ross on the criticisms

Camille Ross explains how furious some people are that failed MP candidate Larry Smith is going back to Ottawa.

Canada AM: Jane Taber and Craig Oliver

The hosts of CTV's Question Period say Harper's 'cautious, workman-like' cabinet will get the job done with 'no flash, no dash' and discuss what Harper's Western constituency will think of the Senate appointments.

CTV National News: Robert Fife on the selection

Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled the first cabinet of his majority government -- and it's one of the biggest ever.

CTV Montreal: Catherine Sherriffs reports

Larry Smith resigned from his Senate seat to run for the Conservatives in the West Island riding of Lac-Saint-Louis, and now that he's lost the election he's heading right back to the Senate.

CTV News Channel: Three new senators appointed

Defeated Conservatives Larry Smith from Quebec, Fabian Manning from Newfoundland and Josee Verner from Quebec have been appointed to the Senate.

Power Play: Libby Davies, NDP deputy leader

NDP Deputy Leader Libby Davies says Harper's decision to appoint three failed candidates to Senate must make Canadians very cynical about the democratic process, and explains how the new ministers should realize Canadians ultimately voted for change.

Power Play: Pat Martin and David Smith

NDP MP Pat Martin and Liberal Senator David Smith discuss how Prime Minister Stephen Harper's decision to appoint three failed candidates to Senate is an insult to the democratic process.

Watch: See all Videos in the Player

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Larry Smith, Fabian Manning and Josee Verner have been appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

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Selected Comment

I think this might be an example of very shrewd, albeit spiteful, political strategy. The apparent outcome is that the opposition now seems to favour timely senate reform, the electorate is now engaged in the senate reform debate, and the government in power has,at its grassroots foundation, the platform of senate reform. Well played Mr. Harper?

scottsask

Two premiers lash out over PM's Senate appointments

talking about
Two premiers lash out over PM's Senate appointments

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CTV.ca News Staff

Date: Thu. May. 19 2011 10:13 PM ET

Two provincial premiers are now among those criticizing Prime Minister Stephen Harper for his decision to appoint three unsuccessful election candidates to the Senate.

Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall -- who is viewed as a supporter of Harper -- and Nova Scotia's Darrell Dexter have both lashed out over the move.

Wall leads the Saskatchewan Party, and his roots are in the provincial Progressive Conservatives. Dexter leads an NDP government.

On Wednesday, just minutes after Harper announced his new cabinet and wrapped up a news conference, the PMO sent out a release announcing that "three outstanding Canadians" were being appointed to the Senate.

He named former cabinet minister and Quebec MP Josee Verner, along with two former senators who resigned in order to run -- unsuccessfully -- for seats in commons: Fabian Manning and Larry Smith.

On Thursday, Dexter said the appointments had caused "considerable damage" to Harper's reputation as someone with a drive to create an elected Senate with eight-year terms.

Dexter said the decision appears to be purely politically motivated and runs contrary to the values many expect Harper to espouse.

Wall has also come out and said the appointments fly in the face of Harper's promises.

The point of Senate reform is to have a more democratic institution, he said, but the latest appointments will likely fuel longstanding questions about whether the Senate is even necessary.

Federal New Democrat Leader Jack Layton said the appointments represented a rejection of the voters' will and are likely to turn people off of federal politics.

"It's wrong. This is completely undemocratic, it's a slap in the face to Canadian voters," Layton said.

The winning candidates in both Manning and Smith's riding also criticized the appointments -- though both said they weren't entirely surprised.

Scott Andrews, the Liberal candidate who beat Manning in Newfoundland's Avalon riding, said that during the campaign both Manning and Harper dodged the question about whether Manning would return to the Red Chamber if he lost.

Manning has now been twice rejected by voters in his home riding.

Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia, who fended off former CFL commissioner Larry Smith to hold onto his Lac-Saint-Louis riding, had a similar message. He said that during an election debate Smith refused to rule out the possibility that he could return to his old job.

Political messaging expert Barry McLoughlin said the Conservatives may have underestimated the backlash they would face from the appointments.

"It has a bit of a turnstile quality to it for two of them," he said.

In order to win points with the Canadian public, McLoughlin said, Harper needs "to follow up on his Senate reform initiatives -- he's got to get that back on track."

Craig Oliver, CTV's chief political correspondent, said the move follows a long Liberal tradition of stacking the Senate with party loyalists.

However, he said the main difference is that the Conservatives have long argued against Senate appointments being used as political prizes for party supporters.

"And we can never forget that Mr. Harper condemned savagely the Liberals for their use of the Senate and said he would never appoint a senator," Oliver said.

Canadian Taxpayers Association director Derek Fildebrandt took aim at Verner's appointment in particular.

Based on the association's research, he said, Verner will likely be able to keep the nearly $117,000 in severance to which she was entitled, only to join the Red Chamber where she will earn $137,000 per year.

The news release issued by the PMO on Wednesday quoted Harper as saying "our government will continue to push for a more democratic, accountable and effective Senate."

Conservative MP John Baird, who was promoted on Wednesday to the foreign affairs portfolio, defended the Senate appointments.

While they have been characterized as running contrary to the spirit of democratic reform in the Senate, Baird said it is the only way the Conservatives might one day reform the upper chamber.

Sen. Bert Brown, who ran and won twice in Alberta Senate elections, also defended the move.

"It doesn't bother me much," he told CTV's Power Play on Thursday. "The constitution allows the Prime Minister to appoint anyone that he wishes."

Comments are now closed for this story

Ken
said

This is just the tip of the ice burg folks! Harper plans to abolish the firearms registry, Human Rights Commission, Charter of Rights, Same-Sex marriage and abortion. He will soon stack the Supreme Court with Tory ideologues so that constitutional challenges are not successful, and he will continue to stack the Senate until it is full of conservative appointees. Too bad those who voted conservative did no take the time to reasearch what they were voting for. It's too late now- Say goodby to Canada.

ray
said

Can I say Mike Harris younger brother... Ontario had to deal with a PC running our province now we have one that is running the country. Where is the next E.coli case going to be or which highway are we going to sell to the private sector for 50 million and then try to buy it back for 8 billion...

rick
said

What a wicked web we weave when we practice to deceive.

AW In BC
said

Hey People??? How do you get a full senate under the present system if you cannot appoint senators and that is the PM's job???? How are you going to get senate reform if all the die hards are Liberals and shut everything down? Sometimes, the comments written by the people show that they are more mouth pieces than thinkers. I regret that Harper said he wouldn't appoint, but in his job and under the current system, how else is he to keep a full senate?

Lane
said

@ "Lies!": The Conservatives have introduced three bills to allow voters to choose their own Senators: Bill C-47 in 2006, Bill C-20 in 2007, and Bill S-8 in 2009. The Liberals opposed all of those bills. Not only did the Liberals refuse to proceed with the bills until the provinces and the Supreme Court had been consulted, but they actually argued against the concept of an elected Senate. I suggest you read the debates if you want proof.

David in BC
said

Not surprising, Senate reform requires a senate amenable to reformation. When each of these new senators is appointed, we can be well assured that they will be voting for whatever reforms are called for by the Commons. The appointments are strategic and they are smart politics.

Sean
said

ummm. Harper wants the Senate to be elected...but the Liberal won't go for it...as the rules stand now, the Prime Minister gets to appoint Senators...So if Harper can't get the senate to be elected...what is he supposed to do, not appoint anyone?Maybe if he gets the right people in the Senate he can get his bill passed to have Senators elected, and that my friends, IS democratic...

albertaclipper
said

Elect people from your provinces and Harper will appoint people from your province that your people want. Simple isn't it. Is is it more fun to whine and cry?

Amused
said

It's interesting that conservatives justify Mr. Harper's appointments by saying that's what the Liberals did implying that two wrongs really do make a right! I can only assume that they had no objections when the Liberals did the same thing. I guess conservatives really do want to act just like Liberals.

Doug ^^^ BC
said

Keep up the good work PM Harper.If they squeal loud enough,and long enough,they might actually get on board with democracy in the Senate.What better way to promote that than to prove to everyone exactly how absurd the current version of a Senate is to any notion of real democracy. It's a bit rich to hear a Premier from Atlantic Canada complain about the Senate.Such puny populations,and so many Senators. As to Liberal whiners,don't even get me started on them.Thae hve no credibility on this issue at all.Absolutely none.

Drew in NS
said

Can someone please tell Darrell Dexter to shut it. Everytime this man opens his mouth he is an embarrasement. Here is a man who has gone back on every election promise and enjoys letting the public pay for the comforts of his office, and now he feels he should lecture the PM on ethics. Darrell you're need to think before you speak

ryan
said

I get such a strange and offputting feeling from the canadian conservatives on here. it reminds me of the partisan politics going on in america and these brick walls of contradiction. Im just saying I get the feelings of fox news when I read the comments made by some of these "conservative' supporters, if anything like fox news came to canada I would leave this country forever.

D.H.
said

Dexter's just a blowhard looking for attention. I think he should be more concerned about the state he's put the province of Nova Scotia in.

Sam Hayne
said

Here are two important points of information:1) The Cons have the support of 40% of the 62% of Canadians who voted, i.e. they do not have majority support of the Canadian people and should march accordingly.2) Changing the Senate requires constitutional change which requires the support of 7 of 10 provinces, including Quebec, and 50% of the Canadian population. Given the fact that Harper has far less than 50% of the Canadian peoples' support (even less so in Quebec), his hopes for constitutional change have zero chance of success.

Terry in Cambridge
said

Harper has a majority and is now showing his true colours, that he doesn't care about what the Canadian public wants...and it's only going to get worse from here.

Sober
said

Does anybody here believe uncle Jack would actually make bipartisan appointments to the Senate? Like appointing some Conservatives and Liberals to the Senate? Hallo!

charlie
said

Wall said the point of Senate reform is to have a more democratic institution. The latest appointments, he said, will likely fuel longstanding questions about whether the Senate is even necessary. Hmmm .... well if that is "lashing out", I doubt that anyone could tell the difference with Mr. Wall when he might be "mildly annoyed" and when he might be comatose. The colourfullness of the media never ceases to amuse.

Barney Stinson
said

At least Manitoba's" premiere" Selinger is keeping quiet. I mean nobody voted for this guy as premiere anyway. After Doer left office in the middle of his term for another job, this guy was appointed by the NDP to lead our privince. It's been almost 2 years and we still haven't had an election.

charlie
said

"It's wrong. This is completely undemocratic, it's a slap in the face to Canadian voters," Layton said. But, on the other hand, running candidates in French speaking ridings who cannot speak Frennch, candidates who have no campaign offices, candidates who spend the election in Vegas, candidates who don't live in the ridings to which they are elected, candidates who do not take part in candidate meetings - that's all right, Jack? Strange idea of democracy and respect for the Canadian voter, you have.

Ron
said

I love this logic "they were rejected by the people of Canada". Nice try. Nope. They may have been rejected from being MP's in their constituency... that's all.There is nothing stopping Harper from Senate reformation. Stacking the Senate with 'reformation friendly' senators may make the job easier.No real story here. Just lots of sour graps.

jocq
said

Mike in Penbroke, hitting the nail on the head would require giving canadian voters the right to a national referendum on a elected, abolishing or keeping the status quo with regards to our senate. Since this would not be breaking up a beautiful relationship in this country 50 1% can suffice.

Winnie
said

Harper can appoint whoever he deems resposible and a hard worker for Canadians.He wanted to reform the Senate before but all the opposition parties didn't agree, NDP wanted to abolish it(which means oppening up the constitution, wonder why Dexter doesn't agree with Harper, isn't he NDP oops) and Liberals didn't agree so this is where The Prime Minister stands and why not apoint who he thinks will do a good jop until otherwise. If polititions would think of we Canadians and stop all this bashing (thought that was over with for awhile) and get down to work. Hope we are not going to have the same old stuff as when the Liberals were in opposition.

Jason Daniel Baker, Toronto
said

I guess you can tell its an election year in Saskatchewan.

K.S.
said

It's only going to get worse. Harper is snubbing democracy, and Canadians, and is simply saying "I don't have to listen to you, as I have a majority". Mark my words - we're in for a heap more of this kind of megalomaniac action!

John A
said

So what else did Harper lie about, when are politician going to be held accountable for their supposed platforms.

Barry from Shawville
said

"A slap in the face!: Nice talk Jack. I thought you and your "skater boy " mp's were going to bring civility to Parliament. How about your Lieutenant in Quebec? He slapped Obama by saying there were no photos of Bin Laden after Obama made it known that there were. You will not last to form the Opposition in 4 or 5 year's time unless you shape up.

terry WPG.
said

Stephen Harper previously and unequivocally stated that " he would never appoint a senator" and he did then he is a definite LIAR
and cannot be trusted with any Canadian issues. He should resign
for lying to Canadians.

N.S
said

It was a good call, and could lead to real senate reform, once they have the control to actually change it.

Lane
said

@ RK in MB: The reason there was a third vacancy to be filled is that a Liberal Senator, Raymond Lavigne, resigned after being convicted of fraud and breach of trust. And the reason more than a mere quorum of Senators is needed is that there must be enough Senators to fill all the places on the Senate Committees that must study legislation and report to the Senate itself before the final vote is taken. In order for this to happen in a timely manner, Senate vacancies must be filled. And the only way to do that is through appointment by the PM, because the Liberals have blocked Conservative Senate reform legislation for the past five years.

Winnie
said

It's a good political move in order to consolidate an ABSOLUTE majority senate before June 2, which would give him control of the committees. Without these 3, the Liberals could still have had chairmanships and be able to stall or change legislation.

Chairs can only change after an election (or proroguing) Even if more Senators are replaced,those chairmanships can't be changed until after the next election.

Too bad the media isn't explaining this.

Banny706
said

the PMO sent out a release announcing that "three outstanding Canadians" were being appointed to the Senate.Should have said "three outstanding Conservatives who happen to be Canadians"

Lies!
said

Lane said "Anyway, it is the Liberals who have so far blocked PM Harper's attempts to change the way Senators are chosen." I'm so SICK of this BS LIE. No one has ever blocked Harper from doing anything with the Senate. . .EXCEPT OUR CONSTITUTATION which says he can't do without engaging the provinces.

Gord
said

Electing senate nominees is not in any way a real fix. The PM can still legally select anyone he wants (sham senate elections). The senate cannot be made a democratic institution unless you fix the representation. Currently BC gets 6 senators and New Brunswick and Nova Scotia get 10 each. It is ludicrous to suggest that this is acceptable. The constitution needs to me amended to make any real change. The best change would be abolition of this archaic and elitist institution. Harper's "reform" proposals will make a bad situation even worse.

Pip
said

To the complainers; keep on whining; keep on taking up space on these boards; keep on claiming the sky is falling. Harper is prime minister and he's just doing what the law says he can, even must, do. On second thoughts, how about reading our constitution and the various acts and regulations governing both houses of parliament? Perhaps then you could post from knowledge instead of ignorance of the law. The fact that he is doing what every prime minister since 1867 has done - obey the law - seems to have escaped you, as has the fact that most prime ministers in the last century have been Liberals. Did you complain when THEY appointed senators?

Steve H.
said

@ Lorna - Your characterization of my position is wrong. Had he named *anyone* other than candidates rejected less than three weeks ago, neither I nor many others would see anything problematic here. But you shouldn't be guessing at my view, anyway; you should be addressing the argument. There are some things to like about Harper. But his record on democracy is very bad, and responsible citizens should say so, instead of trying to silence critics and 'let the government do its job'. That vision of how the public should relate to its government belongs to a degenerate and dangerous form of democracy. It is not a vision essential to conservativism, as intelligent criticism coming from many conservatives has shown. But it is Harper's vision, and it isn't necessary to be on the left to see that this is so.

FCS
said

"canada as we knew it is toast."Correction : Canada as YOU knew it is toast. YOU do not speak for me or anyone else. YOU are not WE and only an entitled Liberal would think otherwise. I know it's hard for you to grasp that different people may have different ideas of what Canada should be but you will get it eventually. After all you have 4 long years to think about it.

shawbrooke
said

Two of the appointees were senators before they ran for office, so putting them back is no assault on the Senate. The other one is a former cabinet minister, clearly someone that Harper trusts, which is how people get appointed to the Senate whatever party is in power.

PGS
said

In order to prevent the Liberals from gaining Senate committee chairmanships, the Conservatives need a senate majority by June 2. Failure to have such a majority would allow the Liberals to block, stall or change legislation for the next 4 years (the chairmanships are locked in until the next election), thereby thwarting any chance for Senate reform or any other major initiative.I expected Brad Wall to know the underlying reasons without having to learn Canadian Politics 101. Dexter would complain whether he knew the reason or not.

sabrina D. in Bathurst
said

WELL SAID Mike! I hope everyone in Canada will re-re-read your post as you hit the nail right on the head!!

pegger
said

You con supporters keep missing the point. It's not about who appoints the most senators although harper has the record. It's about him swearing he would not do it, and then doing it with gusto.
Even Wall is saying he's screwed up again. Give your heads a shake.
It's this blind support for anything a con does that got harper elected again in spite of many saying ethics was the most important issue. And don't forget before you spout off, most Canadians did vote against him.

Fred Halifax
said

�I've learned Canadian's don't like surprises.� Harper's words bring some heady wisdom to the debate. SURPRISE !

CMQ
said

Craig, you missed a key difference, Harper wants to reform the senate, sadly you never mentioned that. You are so biased its not even funny. It seems the only ones open minded enough to state the obvious for these appointments are the commentators on here not the media or politicians. Seems like Ezra Levant is right, there is a "media" opposition political party.

Steve
said

The Senate in its present form is anti-democratic and a ridiculous waste of money. However, it is enshrined in our constitution and it won't go away. There are lots of good things about Canada - the existence of the Senate and Senators are not one of them.

Danny in Halifax
said

Mr Dexter should be paying more attention to his province and worry more about how he will manage to get any votes in the next election rather than playing in Federal Politics - we made the mistake of electing an NDP provincial government ONCE - that won't happen again.As for the senate, good for you Prime Minister! This will make sure that Senate Reform is not just a dream.

Jon C. Coates
said

Funny thing, for nearly a century the Liberals appointed hacks, bag men and failed candidates without much comment. But, let a Conservative do something similar and the howls of outrage from the media and the opposition are shouted from the rooftops. The Senate is not a democratic institution, it is an appointive instution and has always been undemocratic.I hope Mr. Harper will call a binding referendum requiring an elected Senate of 10 Senators per province. Then if he receives a mandate from the citizens of Canada, he could use that referendum result to justify making the change without going through the stupid constitutional system for making changes. That's about the only way we can make much needed constitutional changes without having to have consultations with all the negotiations which have be the hallmark of constitutional change until now.

Mikey
said

I am not a religious man, but after perusing the comments posted here I am thanking God that the Conservatives have a majority government. If the coalition of stooges had formed government, my great country would have been doomed. Harper has proven to be a skilled tactician, so skilled that in the future he will have reformed the senate and made the opposition think it was their idea. Brilliant I say.

AEK
said

As a supporter of the Conservative Party, I think it is very regretful that the Prime Minister did not announce the Senate appointments at his press conference. I suspect he was expecting difficult questions and chose to avoid answering them in person. Instead, by leaving the press conference and then making the announcements, he displayed a lack of courage to face the press and Canadians in person.He fled rather than face the flack. As the leader of our government, responsible for making and acting on difficult, even life and death decisions, this behavior should be of concern to all Canadians.

pegger
said

Just add this to the list of things harper said he would or wouldn't do, then did the exact opposite once he was in power.

Steve, Alberta
said

Its not about putting someone in the senate who was not elected. These people were voted against. One instance needs reform, the other is just wrong- even if you think this is harpers greater plan- keep telling yourself that.

Tyler Austin
said

Harper is just a damn hypocrite. He already has a majority i nthe Senate, both the #1and #2 parties want Senate reform, he has no excuse whatsoever to do this. Canada' Richard Nixon, all he is. Can't wait for our watergate.

Cal in Ottawa
said

It would seem that Lane's logic is that two wrongs make a right; I was taught that wasn't so as a child. I could be best described as a Blue Tory or big C conservative. I don't like big government and I don't like arrogance in politicians. Putting Mr Smith back in the Senate after he resigned to run as an MP, and likely minister if he had won, is both arrogant and cynical. I no longer recognise the Stephen Harper of today, who, just like Mr Ignatieff, has abandoned all the ideas he had 10 years ago. Power corrupts...

Sabrina
said

I like your comment Laine. Why shouldn't we vote for MPs as we don't for Seanators?

David In Qc.
said

The simple facts here are that there is no defence of these actions by saying the Liberals did it too and if the liberals or ndp were in power they would do it now.Neither of those parties said outside parliament or in the house that they would never appoint a senator unless elected.Only one to say that and on several occasions was Stephen Harper.So thems the facts folks.the blind defense of Any Harper statement or Action once again brings to mind a Frank Burns Classic from MASH"The way I see it, unless we each conform, unless we obey orders, unless we follow our leaders blindly, there is no possible way we can remain free."

Adam, Alberta
said

Do CONs really think this is a good thing?., Seriously do you guys really condone appointing people who were clearly voted against into the parliament? You got what you wished for, enjoy this conservative 'democracy'.

Expat in Rome
said

Judging from many of the posts here, I can see many are clueless as to how the system works. And I'm in Italy! The Canadian PM already has a majority in the Senate and has for some time. And regardless, having a majority in the Senate - while it does help - isn't the barrier that Harper faces. It's the constitutionality of him trying to make changes without 2/3 of Canadian provices supporting it. I don't understand how anyone could try and claim this is some "liberal" diversion as any such argument is fatally flawed. Why is it someone in Italy knows this and Canadians don't?

sabrina
said

I like Canada! Go Leafs Go!!!

robin hood
said

No matter which way you cut�2 wrongs don't make a right? A joke? I�m waiting for the punch line!

Proud to be Canadian
said

So all of a sudden, if someone does not get a job ( in this case - elected ) they are unfit for every job? Give me a break. Canada elected Harper, and if Harper feels the right person for the job happens to be someone who didn't get "hired" in the election, so be it.

You voted for it
said

More corruption, illegal activities, and down right unethical breaking of promises on the way. Brought to you by Canadian voters too foolish to pay attention over the last 5 years. You asked for it. This is only the beginning of the "recalibration" of Canada. Hope non of you like low crime rates, public healthcare, a low debt and regard for Canadians opinions when issues are raised. All those are soon to be faded memories of what Canada once was. Enjoy.

GBinBC
said

This will be forgotton in a week.Those who scream the loudest about this are usually the ones who never got an appointment or their suggestion for an appointment was ignored.The Liberals and the NDP blocked senate reform for years so they can't complain.The Liberal dominated senate(aided by the NDP) obstructed and embarrassed Harper any time it could especially on senate reform. Now he has got his senate majority he can get down to business. Has it occurred to any of Harpers critics that this Tory dominated senate will not oppose reform.

AnnieC
said

@fed up...Who cares what Chretian would or wouldn't have done. He's not involved now.

TheOtherLowellInBC
said

many comments on here allude to harper only doing what other prime ministers did. It is a practice that has been going on for too long and apparently no body wants the buck to stop on their watch. What is objectionable about harper is that his original party the Reform/Alliance came up with the idea (vis a vis Manning) regarding elected senate. They have espoused this long and hard. Harper isn't even paying lip service to it and with this latest move has blatantly shown contempt for this principle that has been a central plank in his party. This form of hypocrisy just serves to make folks more angry at politicians and less interested in what elected representatives do.

Ben Gonetoolong
said

Alberta was the only province to submit a list of Senators in waiting by an election held for that purpose.And from that list a Senator was chosen.Did any of the other premiers do the same in their province?No,the premiers complained about the cost of doing an election for a Senator in waiting....a process that could be done at provincial election time,and cost could be minimized.Complain all you want Premiers,but if you're not part of the solution then you are part of the problem.

George Pringle
said

Any Premier who lets his citizens elect Senators in waiting would have Senators chosen by their province. Anytime they want to reform the system they could do so.

Jack Meyer
said

Senate Reform, is updating the Senate with members who are going to follow the leader no matter how awful the taste in the mouth of canada peoples who are basically paying for.Forget triple EEE it is stink stink stink. and do not forget those two Wallin and Duffy who like Marjorie LEBreton just collect a pay for doing Harpers agenda, Remember when you pass the Senate hold your nose.

51st state
said

".. The sky is falling crap we have been spoon fed for years concerning Harper is falling on deaf ears..."So tiresome listening to you drone on and on about the liberals did it.your dear leader CAMPAIGNED against this very thing.

Kim in Calgary
said

@Colleen, I wish more Conservative supporters could do what you have just done, think independently for yourself and not be afraid to question someone's actions regardless of who they are. It really doesn't matter to me who it is, no one is infallible and all elected need to be accountable period.

Shawn in Point Edward
said

Give it a week or so and no one will remember this.

Cymru-YYC
said

Lane raises a very good point, however, you cannot ignore the fact that Harper has stated many times he wants to reform the Senate. Now he has a majority and is able to initiate the process to reform the Senate as he promised, he does exactly what every Liberal PM has done. Conclusion, he is once again a hypocrite. and therefore consistent.

AEK
said

"Baird said it is the only way the Conservatives might one day reform the upper chamber."Now that the Conservative Party has a majority in both the House of Commons and the Senate, they MUST attempt to reform the Senate and limit the terms to 8 years, as promised. (I say 'attempt' since I believe they need certain provincial government approvals.)If they do not do it during this 4 year term, they will forever wear this a very serious broken promise.Get on with it!

MARG MM
said

Well, it seems to be working!!! PM Harper made the appointments, the media has everyone all riled up about needing Senate reform, so when PM Harper and the Conservatives do put it in the works, no one will be able to complain. Not even Jack Layton or any Provincial Premiers. Genius!!!!! Only thing is, do the media realize they are being manilupated for once?????

Sober
said

Sour grapes, that's what it is. The PM has the prerogative, as all before him, to make these appointments. The Senates was stocked with Liberals for years because Liberal PM's made those appointments. At least these new senators showed some interest in public service. And don't complain when the PM wants to reform the senate.

bill in Ottawa
said

Those who assume that a one-party controlled Senate, Parliament and Judicial system is good for this country, are assuming ALOT. One party control is the basis for Dictatorship. I dare you to argue that point (please, with anyhting other than "but they did it too!"..my four year old can reason better than that). Anytime one party takes control through unelected appointments of the judicial and executive levels of government, people should be AFRAID - not hand it to the party leader on a silver platter! These appointments auger badly for democracy in this country - and judging by 50% 1 of the comments here, democracy will die to thunderous applause!

Alyx Crawford
said

I think scottsask nailed this one on the head, except that I wouldn't characterize this move as "spiteful." I'd be more apt to call it "masterful." Harper manoeuvred the Opposition into an election, and now he's working on getting them to agree to Senate Reform. Brilliant!

Mike
said

Go Harper Go!

Jeff
said

Canada has a senate??????

Sam C
said

@Lane -- very well said! I guess the only difference is that Harper had been promising to reform the Senate. Having said that, there were appointments to be made and Harper made them -- the same way his predecessors have made similar appointments.

Democracy not Appointments
said

Canadians should be taking this to Parliament Hill and asking the Senate be closed until further notice. The appointments should be investigated by the RCMP as it is a crime to promise people they will be appointed and re-appointed to the Senate if Canadians didn't elect them as MP's. It is time this Prime Minister be found criminally responsible for his undemocratic actions.

Mike in Pembroke
said

WELL SAID Lane. I hope everyone will reread your post as you hit the nail right on the head!!

Bear
said

The days of the liberal media brainwashing Canadians are over and Harper knows it. Most people are smart enough to know the Lib's did the exact same thing while in power and that it's really not a big deal. The sky is falling crap we have been spoon fed for years concerning Harper is falling on deaf ears, as the election clearly showed. This country has changed and it's only going to continue to do so. The center-right is where the votes are now and as the population ages this will only continue, regardless of what ever garbage the out of touch media elites try to tell us .

51st state
said

Mr. Clever is just using reverse psychology, so that when he does his senate reform, he will have all the premiers hopping mad, blah blah blah.or he really is that brazen.either way i don't care.canada as we knew it is toast.

David
said

Thank you Prime Minister Harper for being very expedient in fulfilling you responsibilities as Prime Minister. There have been so many other Prime Ministers that would have taken a holiday. Ignorance of Canadian politics is really starting to show, especially from Jack Layton and some Canadian Premiers; you 'd thought they would know better.

Peter L, Kamloops, BC
said

Stop whining!!! Do you not think that if Jack or Iggy were PM they would not put some of their cronies in. Just remember these guys voted against senete reform previously. I think Jack needs to get another massage because his brain muscle is working overtime or not working I am not sure.

RK in MB
said

@Mike in Pembroke- Sorry Mike, those seats don't need to be filled. The Senate only needs a quarum to decide on legislation, not a full Senate. If they all had to be filled, all Senators would need to be present for legislation. If your statement is correct, the positions should have been filled immediately after Smith and Manning resigned. Not only that, why is there a third spot? Seems to me that seat was vacant for a while. Don't kid yourself or anyone else, this is plain patronage.

John Peterson
said

I am not a conservative supporter but I see this as a very smart political move by Harper. To get senate reform he not only needs the mojority of both houses but also the support of the other parties and the public. With Jack layton crying fowl over this he is playing right into Harper's hand. Now we see the public starting to cry out for elected senators. Exactly what Harper needs. By making these appointments Harper is showing how flawed the rules are, thereby putting him in a position where he has to bring in senate reform.

Jo-Ann C
said

I don't understand why everyone is so shocked over the devious behavior of our Mr. Harper. He did not answer any questions during the debates on his devious behavior before the election. Yet he was voted back in. Now that is shocking! I think he has a God complex now. He got away with it before, was still re elected, so why shouldn't he feel he can just keep on screwing us Canadians over? I did not vote for him and this crap he is pulling is the reason why. If we really want things in parliament to change. Make it so anyone with charges or criminal records can not become government officials. Make it so that if any Prime Minister charged with votes of non confidence cannot be re-elected. All those who voted for him are getting what they deserve..and those of us who didn't are stuck on the crappy ride u chose for our country take. Thanks alot

Prynce
said

I'm glad people are mad including the premiers, guess why, they have no excuse not to support senate reform when the time comes!!! Might even be a perfect strategy by the government to get people riled up about senate reform. :D Parliament hasn't even opened, first on the agenda which will take up most of the first week is the Crime Omnibus bill, so I expect senate reform to come but not immediately.

Carol in NB
said

I think a lot of posters on here have hit the nail on the head. Political strategy? It wouldn't surprise me. Harper is very smart. After years of having Senate Reform squashed by the opposition, he is now in power to carry out that mandate. Before you all fall off the deep end in your anger at this latest politcal move, why can't you just hold onto your gitch and see what happens next. Stop putting the cart before the horse. Let the man do his job...you might be pleasantly surprised. We wouldn't want you to have to eat crow now, would we??? It's kinda tough. :)

R. Janes
said

A lot of people are excusing this behavior because "the Liberals did it all the time". True enough. But the Liberals weren't going around touting senate reform as a fundamental plank in their platform.

Nick in Regina
said

Until an elected Senate becomes a reality, arguing that a *rejected MP shouldn't be appointed to the Senate* is illogical. Senators represent provinces (by appointment) while MPs are elected by constituencies.So posters railing on Harper for appointing these *loser MPs* should also be supportive of Senate reform.

whatever
said

How's is this any different from the parachute candidates in Quebec who are now able to draw nice fat pay checks from the taxpayer coffers? But do we hear about the lame ducks - no we do not.

Colin
said

Oh yeah this should catapult the Liberal party right back into power. Too bad they have no leader, no platform, no money and no hope. Wait until Harper does away with the stupid voter subsidies. The Libs are so in debt they will have no choice but to declare bankruptcy. All those uneccessary election campaigns are going to catch up with them big time. Well done.

cook_manager
said

Just begining folks!! Lots are on the way!!These senators needs more money!! though they have plenty of saving. PM used to tell us Job and economy. So he creates three posts for his followers. That's just usual business.Democracy is in action. Good luck folks

Rev in VC
said

Don't get me wrong I think this is still a dumb practice. But didn't the Liberals do this all the time, and more often when they were in power? Sure sounds like business as usual though so if there are changes coming to the senate, in typical Canadian fashion it'll be sloooowwww

FCS
said

Oh yeah this is a major issue that will turn the populace against the Conservitives. Just like the long form census and the gun registry etc etc. The media seems to care but I have yet to run into anybody else who does. Pretty sure Harper realizes absolutely no one is going to remember this in 4 years and he's right.

Charlie in NS
said

Perhaps now that Prime Minister Harper has a majority in both houses he will be able to pass a law on having an elected senate. That said, every prime minister from the time this country came into existance has appointed defeated political candidates. Is this new news or is this news because the appointments were made by Harper?

Lane
said

The Liberals who criticize these appointments should be careful. Where was their indignation when Liberal Senators Denis Dawson, Joseph Day, Francis Fox, Celine Hervieux-Payette, Mobina Jaffer, Serge Joyal, Lucie Pepin, Pierrette Ringuette and David Smith were appointed to the Senate? All of them were rejected by voters, some as many as three times. Anyway, it is the Liberals who have so far blocked PM Harper's attempts to change the way Senators are chosen.

Steve in Vancouver
said

Its fun reading some of the comments on here. "Harper the dictator. Four years of tyranny. How dare he." Yep sure funny stuff this morning. The Liberal leftists and their running dogs fascist socialist media are not quite to the bottom yet. Is it a last gasp for air? Sure hope so. But then again l worry l might miss the feeling of pulling of the legs of dinosaur ants that l get as l read these silly comments.

Wake Up Call
said

If they had elected Senators in waiting, and Harper picked the person(s) he chose over the elected ones, then they would have something to complain about.

peter in mb
said

I can�t believe some if the idiotic ignorant comments on here. some of you need to educate your self on how the senate works before you comment. And also NEWS FLASH!!! The election is over. All of you Harper haters need to except that fact and stop with all your lies, negative spin and name calling. How Truly Pathetic you all are... Talk about a bunch of sore losers.

Mark J.
said

It's amazing how many lefties believe in the Chicken-Little-sky-is-falling style of fear mongering simply because their party didn't win. What is it with being a leftie and losing all sense of logic? I'd hate to live in their scary little worlds.

Noleftfeet
said

Premier Darrel Dexter is an affront to anyone with a brain. He recently appointed a Supreme Court Judge who then nominated a former Utility & Review Board member and a former high ranking executive from Emera the parent company of NS Power . This triad each have strong connections to government and are among the recipients of some of the highest pensions in Canada. This trio was selected by Dexter to review MLA pensions to see if they are "fair". Taxpayers contribute $6.75 to each $1.00 the MLA's put in their retirement pots in Nova Scotia. By comparison Federal MPs are matched $4.00 to each MP $1.00. Does anyone think these 3 high-rollers will determine that MLA pension entitlements are too high. Dexter is a phoney and he hopes by criticizing Harper it will take the scrutiny off himself.

Fed Up
said

Ya don't tink da Chretien would not ave done da same ting?

Original Canadien
said

Anyone who does not believe the NDP and Liberals woudl not have doen pretty much the same thing had they been theones lected to a majority governmetn has not paid attention to history. All previous senators were appointed as such, without exception.. Even the "elected" one from AB a few years ago. He was selected that was but was officially appointed.We should reform the Senate and make it an elected office with strict limits, including the salary and the eligibility to reflect Canadian values and not political parties. Party members should be banned from it.

Sean - Ottawa
said

My only issue is why pick candidates who've shown disdain for the institution. Reform it? Yes. But do it with people who care and have shown they have the trust of people: not recent rejects.But, Canadians really care about other things: health care, jobs, taxes, etc. To continue concentrating on issues like this without offering a real plan for the rest will assure Harper that he'll stay in as long as he wants. Not that I'm complaining. He hasn't done a bad job in most things. Just a little too much arrogance...

Anne Victoria
said

Too bad,eh...(If you want to know how to pronounce the last word just start a conversation with anyone who's been in Canada longer than a week)

Keith BC
said

This practice has gone on for a century with the "mighty" Liberals way out in the lead. The Cons are simply playing the same game until conditions arise that are favouable for reform . I just checked outdoors and the sky is still there. It's so much fun to read the posts of the self righteous left. Whine, whine , whine ! How about letting ALL political parties play by the same Machiavellian rules . It was particularly gratifying watching NDP MP's , Davies and Martin express their outrage on Wednesday. The hand wringing is in full swing.

ScottHfx
said

Suck it up you lefties! This is what we've put up with for the last 20 years from the left, now the shoe is on the other foot and you are all whining and crying like little babies. This is great. Keep up the good work PM Harper. Give the whining left some more of their own medicine. Now - back into the water and suck it up you weenies!

scottsask
said

steven katona
said

bravo harper! once again another bold move to fester the opposition and cement their values against the fledgling majority. once again mr harper you must act! now the public see's the charade for what it is! you won the electoral but you need to win the hearts and minds of the remaining centerists. more emboldened moves like this only strengthen the radicalized leftists as you bring canada to the brink of a socialist meltdown! nows the time for a steady hand on the helm. i wanna see biard smile more! get out there and do some good harper! we all voted for you! go save humanity or our arctic. eh harper? we got bigger fish to fry...

Jim Lad
said

On the tail end of 5 1/2 years of abuse being hurled at Prime Minister Stephen Harper by the media and opposition parties, he has my blessing to do whatever it takes to get this country on track.Get over it folks, you had your fun.

Rob Weller
said

Now that Harper has his majority in both houses, passing senate reform should be the first item on the agenda. No?

Jeremy
said

Wilbur, did I just see you type that "Harper does what he says"? Are you kidding me. Are you seriously kidding me. Did you not read the article? Do we need to find a time machine, take you back in time to before the Conservatives were in power, sit you down in Parliment, and ask you to listen to what Stephen had to say about the Senate back then. I remember, there was no question that this was one of his biggest focus's of his opposition against an appointed, non democratic Senate. So again, are you kidding me? And anyone who types "This is a non issue", what exactly constitutes an "ISSUE" in your objective eyes?

Margaret from Med Hat
said

I think that those who are having difficulties with Mr. Harper doing what he can LEGALLY do, need to look themselves in the mirror and ask this question: "Given the current rules and regulations regarding Senate appointments, and given the length of time that it will take to actually get a "Tripe E Senate" into law, would they have done anything differently? Get over it! Move on!This country has more important problems facing it: Flooding in Manitoba, Flooding in Quebec, Flooding in Saskatchewan. Forest Fires in Alberta. A small town currently unlivable, thanks to wilfires. An economy that's still on shaky ground. Just to name a few.

RedneckVic1
said

If the 2 Premiers are so upset than why do they not allow the election of senators in there provinces? Do me a favor and do not bitch unless you are going to allow elections of senators

dalton 46
said

If it surprises you that Harper would do this you have the political knowledge of an ant. Hello, his party was held in contempt of parliament. Wait there is more to come like the partial privatization of medicare.Who do you think you voted for? You are getting exactly what you voted for.

BorderlandsDave
said

The Tories and their apologists are using the same type of logic that was used at My Lai in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. What was the statement again, something to the effect of "we had to destroy the village in order to save it" Their explanation is, in order to reform the Senate, we have to carry out the same actions we complained about when it was the Liberals in government.In any event, you can use the excuse about needing a majority in the Senate to reform it, only when you don't have a majority. They have the majority, its time to deliver on the promises for reform.

Dan
said

Mr Harper is using these appointees as a means to an end. Stay tuned, folks. You'll see how this plays out. I think it's a smart move.

Craig in Edmonton
said

I think it's funny to hear Jack Layton speak against this, when he was prepared to give Elizabeth May a seat in the senate when there was talk of a coalition with the BQ/Liberals.

Adam
said

c'mon people, stop complaining. Its ok to do these sorts of things when you're a conservative. Its ok to be happy with it as well if you voted conservative. Honestly, all of the con voters do not want to look stupid at this point now do they? I wish I could go back a few weeks and change what I voted. I suppose, however, a conservative majority is a good thing if you are from the West. If not, you'd better have a shield over your back.

RJ in Halifax
said

Why do so many commentators think that the party in power at the Federal level can just change the Senate in any way they want"|? Doesn't anyone ever research a topic before commenting? The structure and authority of the Sentae is laid out in the Constitution. It can't be arbitrarily altered by the Federal Government, even if that party held all 308 seats. The constitution - and therefore the Senate - can only be changed when a significant majority of the Provinces/Territories, representing (I think) at least 75% of the country's population vote for the change. To accuse PM Harper of not living up to his promise, please take a break.

Jim-Surrey
said

I hear whining!I thought Iggy was gone?Can't get Senate reform WITHOUT an existing Senate even though it should probably be scrapped to save money!Come on Jack don't turn into an Iggy, we had enough of him obviously shown when Canada Voted!

realist
said

Politicians lie. They have to in order to work. Its like breathing to these people. You abosolutely cannot manipulate and stay in power without telling lies or omitting info. Get over it people.

Carl
said

It's unbelievable that the opposition and the media are just now realizing that the Senate is "undemocratic." It has been exactly this way since 1867! Voters have never had any say in the selection of Senators. Congratulations to all those who are finally noticing this! And yes, it must change. But it has not changed yet, thanks to the opposition. So until the Conservatives succeed in passing their Senate reform bills against the objections of the hypocritical opposition, the PM must continue to appoint Senators, in keeping with the Constitution.

Colleen
said

Although I am a Conservative supporter, I was a little miffed by this turn of events. I think Mr. Harper needs to explain to the Canadian people why he appointed these people so that we may all understand the necessity of it, if there is one.

Don
said

I thought he promised no surprises.

Jack Schleihauf
said

Jack Na na, na na na na, haa haa good bye. Get over it Liberal fans, you got knocked out. You did,it why can't others. If and when the NDPer's get a chance, they would also.

Dave
said

The media is still left wing and will try any story to discredit the Government. Sorry the people of Canada did not vote the party of your choice in, but get over it and carry on like resposible journalist that you are suppose to be. These non stories just raise the ire of non thinking idividuals and then you get personal attacks on the government before they even have a chance to pass any laws.

Wrong!
said

goldens said "To reform the senate one has to have the votes to do it. The opposition crying foul, Smells!" -- No, to reform the Senate you need a constitutional amendment. To do that you need the support of the provinces. Seems very few Canadians have had any education on how their country works.

Lorna
said

@ Steve H. lets face it, no matter who Haper appointed to the Senate you would complain because it is Harper doing the appointing. People like you will never be happy no matter what Harper does. Please give it a rest and let the man do his job. That is what he was elected for and NO I did not vote for him.

Sad
said

The Conservatives are deliberately being obtuse. All prime ministers appoint senators - agreed. That's the way it's done but what I suspect most Canadians object to is the fact that Mr. Harper has appointed three people the Public has chosen to reject as candidates for government. He doesn't care what Canadians want. He thumbs his nose at democracy and the people he works for. Harper has begun to show his true colours unfortunately.

Cambob in Toronto
said

I felt a stong gust of wind from the left this morning. Then I realized it was just the LibDips flailing around shreiking about the end of the world.

Peter in MB
said

The election is over but I see the Harper haters are still out in full force with their lies and negative spin. How Truly Pathetic you are... And you wonder why your liberal party lost.

Mike in Pembroke
said

@ R, It is very simple, there are empty seats that have to be filled in the Senate and it is the PMs job to appoint Senators to fill them, which he did. I will ask you now why are you complaining. He is doing his job. If you were the PM would you not appoint people you feel comfortable with knowing they have your back,. I thought so!

Joseph White
said

Wow, there are a lot of people out there who seem to think that if one person does something, this automatically makes it alright for all who follow to do the same thing. That sounds an awful lot like the type of reasoning children tend to use. They always look for the simplest, easy to understand answers that seem fair to them. However, what Harper has done is more complicated than that, and as critically thinking adults we should all be able to recognize this fact. This move is one that is highly hypocritical, and that is the primary difference between him and those he is being compared to as justification. Doing something others have in the past doesn't automatically make it right nor fair. Once you understand the hypocrisy, you understand the resentment we're seeing.That said, I love what Harper is doing, and I sincerely hope he continues down the path he is currently on. The Liberal and Bloc parties learned several exceedingly important lessons from the last election, lessons the Conservatives obviously haven't noticed. Their success in getting a majority has blinded them, which in turn has made them arrogant. The way Harper is giving all Canadians, the media, and even his own supporters the finger proves it, and I truly believe if he keeps this up, it will cost them dearly the next time we go to the polls.

GEW
said

First of all, it was the party that was "rejected" by the voters, in my opinion, not the individuals running. That is what was shown in Quebec ,as an example and , that is what the other parties can't stand. Second, I believe that Harper will enact the much needed reforms to the Senate, because unless the Senate is abolished completely, we will always have the rejection of good legislation by the members of the Senate who are in the majority, i.e., power at the time. That's the way it works with the present situation. So the Opposition parties can gnash and whine all they want. It's all they've got Rather fun to watch. GEW

Joseph, Halifax
said

While the Parliament may make a number of changes to the Senate, it cannot do so as an executive exercise in these four areas: changes to the powers of the Senate; changes to the method of selecting senators; the number of senators to which a province is entitled; and the residence qualifications of senators.This would require an application of the amending formula present in the constitution, although they might attempt a unilateral kick at the can arguing that the amendments can be effected under the original BNA. Apparently it's a bit murky.

PBW
said

Of all people, Premier Wall and opposition leader Layton should know that, until legislation is passed in the house and senate, and then approved by the provinces, there can BE no reform _ or abolition - of the senate. Until that time, Mr. Harper, and any other PM from any other party, must follow the law as it stands; and that REQUIRES that the PM APPOINT senators. It is to be hoped that Mr. Harper will act swiftly on this file and get enabling legislation passed before putting the ball in the provinces' court. At that time, we'll see how loudly Brad Wall shouts - or Jack Layton, for that matter.

Perplexed
said

I am amazes at how the neo-cons will defend this move. They hold this longstanding belief that now we can get even with the liberal regime that ruined our lives (on the way to a 12 billion dollar surplus). With a cultish mindset they accept any move that Harper does as good for the country. They see his lies as a necessary tactic to help reform the senate. He is so far inside them they don't even know he's there.

follow the money
said

Why would the Conservatives reform the senate? It is a good job for the appointees with a nice pension. By having a majority, they are assured of bills passing. It is a little out of the ordinary to promote those who have just lost elections, but given the lack of input from Canadians on the other appointees, this is really no different. The concern here is that any government that wants total control without openness and balanced debate may one day find itself the victim of this totalitarianism.

Jerry in NL
said

Didn't Harper say all through the election campaign "Losers do not get to form the government", well shouldn't that also apply to the Senate which is a part of government. By the way they have a majority in the Senate so there is no need to add more senators, unless this is a payoff for running in the election.Great to see that Canadians gave him a majority, now they can really see his agenda in the coming months and years.

James
said

Hmmm, if I wanted to change a firmly embedded system like the senate what would I do ... draw attention to how ridiculous it is, put people in place to make the change, tell the country what I'm doing ... Naw none of the stuff the PM is doing makes sense .... As to his choices of reinstating senators that were enticed to run to give his party a chance in tough ridings ... seems fair to me, he needs someone loyal to tame the entitled beast we have created.

SmartenUp
said

Question: How do you get people to support radical senate changes.Answer: Do something that should offend people of all political stripes so they scream in unison for a change.The appointments to the senate are obviously a calculated move by Harper to manipulate the electorate into backing any senate reform bill he puts forth. He obviously knew there would be a huge backlash and that is why he sent out the release after his press conference. Its a tactical decision that shows his disdain for the electorate. His greatest strength is all the people that blindly follow him without questioning a thing he does. And I expect the press to continually question his decisions just as they should with any government or party that is responsible for the governance of this great country.

jay henryk
said

No one talks about the three individuals themselves. You'd think they would be embarrassed to accept these appointments. I would like to think that the people appointed to the Senate would have a greater sense of dignity than this.

Joyce
said

Prof. Pye Chartt; Senator Bert Brown who was elected by Albertans, eventually was appointed to the Senate and made it into the Senate, so you are mistaken by the fact no other way were Senators chosen, eventhough there is no such thing with other Provinces ever having done so other than when Alberta did have an election for Senators to represent them in theSenate. Chretien passed over them and appointed his cronies, and thus denied the Citizens of Alberta the right to have their elected Senator[s] being appointed to a seat in the Senate. The Elected Senate has to be approved by the Provinces, with a majority of Provinces approval, which PM Harper did try to get through during his tenure but was rejected by Ont. and others and thus it died before the legislation could be enacted. Appointing defeated candidates, is not an unusual routine as when Chretien was in power, Chretien rewarded his defeated pals with a Senate Seat or postings overseas and so did his Liberal PMs etc. etc.

RK in MB
said

To reform the Senate, there needs to be a willingness of the Senate to approve reform. That I agree with. What my issue is, if the HoC isn't sitting yet and the focus of the government is the economy, why do we need to give these people a posting now? Why pay them for however long it will take to get the ball rolling? If they find private sector jobs before they NEED to be in the Senate and they decline the seat, surely there are equally intelligient people within our country to fill the vacancies. These appointments were "consolation prizes" for these people, plain and simple. Harper could have saved a few bucks by not appointing anyone until reform is on the agenda, but what are these three "also-rans" going to do without the government trough to feed from? Harper can't be very proud of his decision considering he had it released after his media scrum. That or he doesn't want to have to take the heat, as usual.

John Lethbridge
said

A non-story, get over it already will you. If these candidates wouldn't support Harper on Senate reform, he wouldn't have re-appointed them. There were empty seats to fill, and he is filling them. The other story would be how these 'rejected' ones were now going to collect pension from the Senate. Now they are back to work and not collecting pension, yet. Harper has been talking about Senate reform for more than 10 years now, and I suspect more than likely he this is where he wants to leave a legacy. Senate reform isn't going to happen overnight. Patience, people.

Jim McB
said

Of course there is a backlash, Harper has to get the Senate majority back so that Liberals can't block contentious legislation.The MSM is annoyed that Jack will be able to do less for Quebec than Harper, who can use Senators as part of his caucus.An NDP vote is always a wasted vote.

Realist
said

Congratulations all you Conservative supporters...this is the beginning of four years of abuse and corruption!

rogue
said

This is just the beginning, the end will be a sorry one. Adieu Canada.

hollinm
said

Harper needed to appoint Senators to ensure that he had control of the committees in the Senate. Otherwise the Libs could still stall legislation.

The fact that he appointed three defeated candidates is neither here nor there. He is exercising the perogatives that all PMs have had since confederation by appointing those who he feels he wants in the Senate.

Harper attempted to make some minor changes to the Senate by limiting terms to 8 years and encouraging provinces to elect Senators in waiting. All were rebuffed. So for the time being the status quo will be maintained whether the media and the opposition parties like it or not.

For Canadians if they were concerned about process, tactics and strategies then Harper would not have been re-elected. So this is another tempest in a teapot.

The media will really have to find something more substantive to talk about now that there is a majority government in place.

Dixie from Alberta
said

Even the CTV reporter said "Harper learned from the master Jean Chretien". At least now we can get the legislation through. Have no problem with what the PM did.

Mel Blake
said

Of course none of this backlash matters at all now since they have at least 4 years in office and there is no way to remove them until then. They are free to do more or less as they please. However, they will have no excuse any longer to not reform the senate and lets hope they do so that this sort of nonsense will be at an end.

Ron J.
said

To reform the senate, it takes more than having a majority of seats. It takes the cooperation of the other parties, which Harper doesn't have. The Liberals have always been against Senate Reform, so Harper has no choice but to play by the current rules.

David Fraser Nanoose Bay BC
said

To Kim in Calgary, just who do you think Stephen Harper is, the devil in disguise?. To think one man can plunge this country into the depths of despair is very narrow thinking and quite frankly very un-informed. I wish all you anti-Conservatives would accept defeat and let this government govern.

Steve H.
said

@ Gary in AB - That is a rather poor argument. Suppose you're right that senate reform is only possible if Harper adds senators. On its own, that offers no justification for appointing *these particular people* to the senate, which is what all the ruckus is about. If Harper's desire for senate reform were genuinely based on democratic principles, we might hope to see some sign of it in his choices for appointment; but he in fact went out of his way to pick from the very few Canadians who had just been publicly *rejected* by the people. So Harper's opposition to the senate has nothing to do with democracy; it is about political advantage. But, of course, at this point it would be surprising if he showed real interest in democracy. Hard to believe that those people who tried to 'Reform' our democracy have been reduced to asking us to 'relax and let the government do its job.' This looks to me like an unprincipled position, supported by porous arguments. Conservative-minded people should be ashamed if it has come to that.

Wilbur
said

Whiners everywhere trying to push their hidden agendas while muddying the waters.
Harper must appoint a majority to the senate. He should appoint a bunch more tomorrow. Then the new majority can reform the senate, make it an elected post, shorten the terms and fix the number of senators at a lower level.
I love me that Harper - says what means, does what he says.
You listening Layton?

R
said

Mike in Pembroke, the Tories already have a majority in the Senate, so what is your justification now?

NS
said

It's a good move, no real story here at all.

Michael in Ontario
said

Hey, Max, that is the best plan I have read on this blog today. I see the sore loosing Liberals are out in force today. These people will belly ach no matter what the PM does. They seem to forget one of the PMs jobs is appointing people to the Senate. If these whiners were the PM would they appoint Torys to the Senate, Of Course Not, they would appoint there Liberal friends. As for Jack Layton complaining, who cares! All I ask is for the Canadian people to give the PM a chance and see if he does get his Senate reform through this time. As for the media, I guess we will just have to get use to them attacking everything Harper does.

Jeremy
said

I personally welcome this move. Stephen is alienating any centerist's who voted for him in the last election. A few more shady moves like this, and we will have no problem uniting the Left. To all my former Liberal supporters, don't give up on true Grit in this country, Layton, God love him is a great guy, but the NDP can suffer a little from ADD, they have trouble focusing on one problem at a time.

Jeff in TO
said

@goldens, Let's ignore Harper saying 'I don't plan to appoint senators; that's not my intention." We'll forgive that hypocrisy for the sake of Senate reform - that's the basis of my support for Harper. However, needing votes for reform doesn't mean indulging in the exact same thing you're supposedly against. The hypocrisy of "Losers do not get to form the government", I don't overlook.

Marc - Toronto
said

Wow CTV how biased has your reporting become? Liberals did this for years, and have blocked the Cons from reforming the senate. Now you show disdane for the Cons now that they are playing by the rules enforced by the Liberals?Please. Outside of taliban Jack and the liberal elites, no one cares.

Chris - Toronto, ON -
said

Harper has made his appointments and then as he did with his majority win make the rest of you media pundits eat crow after he actually reforms the Senate. Now, time to go to Sun News to get some real commentary on the state of Canadian politics.

Marsha
said

Funny story. You realize why Harper is doing this, non? He needs firm control of the Senate is order to PASS new legislation for an elected Senate. Duh so of course he needs to appoint them. Yes he said he would not but sometimes you need to break with promises in order for progress. The Liberal Senate refused to pass new laws. This is necessary and if the liberal media and wackos out there would realize that, maybe there would be more unbiased stories.

goldens
said

To reform the senate one has to have the votes to do it. The opposition crying foul, Smells!

Kim in Calgary
said

What did you expect? He needs all of his brown nosers in place. Sadly this story will end with Canada being turned upside down, in massive debt and the people will never know what hit them until he is gone. Just my prediction for our five year outlook.

bikerborz
said

Ah, ya gotta love "Spin". Even though he's playing by the rules, the Liberal-loving left wing media panics at anything Harper does, even to the point of getting their collective panties in a wad at this story, or the one about the size of Harper's cabinet (still smaller than Paul Martin's!). Makes me glad I check Al Jezeera , the BBC, and der Spiegel for serious news...

Canadian in the Netherlands
said

For you Harper lovers. Harper was screaming bloody injustice when the Liberals done it. Now, at a blink of an eye, he does the same. Please tell me the differences between Liberal and Conservative. Politicians are all the same regardless. They are self-centred and they want power. They will not do what is right, rather, they will do what is in their best interest.

JH
said

I like the huge slap in the face he gave the media. Showed you he got there without you and will govern without you. The press release about the senate after he was gone and not available for questions, was a classic example of distain for the media. You all hate him on the HIll? looks like he doesn't care much.

Mo
said

To those defending this move by saying that previous parties have done the same. That's probably a dangerous attitude and exactly why many Canadians are concerned. Senate reform is definitely necessary, but the ends dont justify the means. The concern isn't that Harper appointed these Senate members. The issue is that he decided to specifically appoint members who just recently lost an election. It irritates the very same Canadians who detest the system of politicians who are seemingly given their future on a silver platter without the collective input of Canadians. Keeping in mind the long-failed Senate was designed to balance regional values and differences throughout the country. Which Canadian's values were represented with this specific decision? Even the conservative values in me tell me this is wrong. Despite agreement with his intent to reform the Senate, this move was ill-thought out and against the very same thing that Harper is pushing against in Senate reform in the hopes of better democratic involvement in the process.

Jeff in TO
said

I love how blind people are. Yes, they are appointed.No, there was no uproar when the Liberals did it.This is because the Liberals never declared they wouldn't, nor condemned the practice of appointments.It's called hypocrisy. Kind of like how a "per vote" subsidy is called "undemocratic" when private contributions, which EXACTLY means "support those you don't support" (because tax breaks mean all taxpayers end up funding the party) are ignored because they are beneficial. It's called lying, and seeing how stupid the public can be.

Doug
said

Stephen Harper has a majority. Whine away! No one is listening!The whining has much more to do with the left wing media and their need to turn everything into a major story.

steve
said

the con supporters on here really crack me up. when you go to the cbc homepage they are all criticizing cbc as a liberal company and always claim bias on thier part. now they are claiming the same about ctv. what do you people want, no coverage at all and all news networks silenced and outlawed so general harper can do what he wants without it being reported. where do you people come from, certainly not Canada. do not worry, stevie has four years to screw everything up like cons usually do and it will take another 20 years for us to dig ourselves out of another hole. don't any of you people have children and if you do you just dont care about their future i guess. every person for themselves, the new canadian way. the wild, wild, west. ha.

PET_Quebec
said

Harper shows his hand early. This is the first step for the return of the Liberals to power. Thank you Steven.

Guelph Observer
said

absolutely disgraceful! Typical politician - promise them anything in order to get elected. Do what you want once your are in. Four more years of this garbage.

Dinsdale Pirahna - Oshawa
said

Harper will never "reform" the Senate if he holds a majority in it. And for all of you who thought the last election was unnecessary, how do you feel about going to the polls for electing senators?

Tom in Calgary
said

This isn't bad because your guy did worse. Did too!

Andy Kanata
said

Here we go again. We got the media and the public stoking the fires to create something out of nothing. This is exactly the kind of garbage that keeps people focused on non issues. The appointments are made in accordance with the current laws governing senate appointments. Under the current system, the only way to get things through the Senate is to have the deck stacked in your favour - which is what every government has tried to do for the past few decades. Senate reform can only occur if you have a Senate which will support it - so you stack it with your supporters which is what Harper is doing. Is it really that difficult for people to understand the concept?

Maggie
said

hmmm- yes at first look you think ..."what the heck???" but after mulling over "why did he do it " - I am hoping that with the Conservatives finally in a majority in the Senate - majority in the House - PM Harper just might finally get the legislation passed that he has been promising for years - a simple one (legislation)1) Senators will be elected2) - provincial proportional representation plus one appointed from each province and 2 by the government of the day,and3) length of term - 8 years max and mandatory retirement at 704) no double-dippingAm sure Mr. Harper has already thought about this and is chuckling over a drink at the fireworks ! .- his bold move yesterday may be egg on the face of naysayers... including the ranting Mr. Layton, tomorrow !

VoiceOfReason
said

...but surely Canadians are OK with this. I mean they gave Harper a majority. Harper was found in contempt of Parliment - Canadians Said "MAJORITY". Harper spent Billions on fake lakes - Canadian said "MAJORITY". Harper lost our bid on the Security Counsel, and filled the Senate full of PC rejects that will not dare question his laws/policies - Canadians said "MAJORITY". Come to think of it, do we really need Parliment Mr. Harper?

Neverzero
said

Is Stephen Harper testing how far he can get away with using the new power trusted onto him?

what about bob
said

And the voter takes another one in the stones.

Gary_AB
said

It is the only way to get to Senate reform. So everyone needs to relax and let the government go about its business. The Senate was created to be undemocratic so stop saying this act is undemocratic. Senate reform is the only way to put this issue to bed.

Bob H fr Petawawa
said

I voted for this government, I yet have no regrets. I don't like the senate, if has to be, and it should be reformed. However saying that, like the LIBERALS didn't ever, ever do that eh! NOT, But the NDP never would either. If THEY had the majority they never would. CRAP!!! Anybody would, and keep doing it as long as it is not reformed or elected. Come on PM hurry and reform it like you had said you would.

Ha!
said

"Baird said it is the only way the Conservatives might one day. . ." This speaks volumes doesn't it? Maybe kinda one day sorta maybe?

Gilbert in Orleans
said

Let's see now:The NDP doesn't believe in the Senate and wants to abolish it, so the PM was rights not to appoint an NDPer to the Senate.Liberals would argue that he should have appointed Liberals to the Senate....of course, the culture entitlement....Smith and Manning already have Senate experience and Verner already has legislative experience as an MP and Minister. Who would you have appointed??? Common sense tells me the PM did the right thing. Good for you and good for us.

Smart strategy
said

The Prime Minister is wise to put these people back into the Senate because he will need the support of Conservatives to form an elected Senate and there is no guarantee the old Progressive Conservatives will back him. Smart strategy to help usher in much needed reforms of the Senate. Others can whine as they would no matter who he appointed. Same old same old. This is a good move for Canada and democracy but its not the final scene of the play yet.

Dan in Halifax
said

To every single person who says "they others guys did it too so why can't he" I call BS and here is why.Harper has a majority in both houses and, from a federal perspective, a clear path forward to push his agenda of Senate Reform.Appointing these three to the Senate is a HUGE slap in the face to everyone, including his own supporters.

AlphaOmega
said

Harper now thinks that he can do whatever he wants, ignoring all reactions from Canadians. I wonder what those who voted for him three weeks ago think about their vote now.

Max
said

Let's reduce the term limit of MP's to 8 years.

rick watkins
said

Didn't take him long to get back to his old games. Way to go Stephen, keep proving that the majority of Canadians were right.

mardy
said

The only way to change the senate is to stack it with people who will support the reforms. This complaining is hysterical. The Liberals did this exact same thing for years without even the hint at reform. Harper tries to make change from the stagnant Liberal ways the senate was used for these loser senators, and he gets vilified. Come on people your partisan cry baby ways are really tiring. Give the man a chance and he will get rid of this money wasting joke, we call a senate.

5th Generation Canadian
said

Canadians gave a thumbs down on these three persons when they ran to become Members of Parliament. By appointing them to the Senate, Harper now proves his contempt for the Canadian voter is on the same level as the contempt previously shown for the legislature. Shame.

trunorth
said

If this is an indication of things to come from Prime Minister Stephen Harper over the next four years then, sad to say, the nay-sayers were right--Harper is scary. Although I have never been a card-carrying member of any party (and never will be), I have supported Harper and the Conservatives over the last few years, believing them to be the least offensive of a bad lot. I really believed he and the Conservatives deserved a majority so that they could do what needs to be done for Canada without the constant threats and sniping from the opposition. But these Senate appointments are disgraceful and just plain stupid. They fly in the face of the wishes of the electorate who just rejected these three individuals in the last election. Some Senate reform, Stephen! Shame on you, and shame on me for being so naive and gullible.

Canadian in the Netherlands
said

The Canadian public did not vote them into parliament but they managed to get into the Senate. It says a lot on the views of Harper regarding Senate reforms.

Roy
said

When you think about it most senate appointments are only by the PMs discretion anyways so whats the big deal.

craig
said

First, losing an election does not equal "rejection". The Winning candidate was simply 'more loved'. Second, UNTIL there IS Senate reform, appointing Senators IS the job of the Prime Minister. Harper is totally coloring inside the lines.I could be mistaken, but wasn't Senate reform attempted and defeated once already?Just more sore looses..

KC
said

Come on people - Frank Muhovlich, Mike Duffy, Pamela Walling and countless other Senators who never ran for office, were never approved or disapproved by the people - why all the fuss over these three? -Because it was Stephen Harper who did the appointing and so many people out there just want to "harper" about everything. The way the system is set up senate appointments are patronage appointments...that is why it needs to be reformed. What is the PM going to do? Appoint Ed Broadbent or Gilles Duceppe? The PM has the privilege of appointing untill the system changes. Stop bellyaching.

Bubba
said

Mr. Harper likes to show his power. He has consistently and purposely done things that other people find outrageous. This shows him that he has the power, and you are weak - even when you disagree with him, you still can not do anyting about it. This satisfies him a great deal.

JMac
said

No wonder people have completely lost faith in politics and our politicians... No wonder at all.

David
said

Shouldn't the headline read: Prime Minister Harper wastes no time in appointing vacant positions of the Senate with professionals? From the news media and NDP view point; so you agree with Senate reform like Prime Minister Harper has asked for and you voted against? There wasn't a spot on my ballot to vote for any Senator or, was that just reserved for NDP and news media staff?

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

This silly "uproar" is the political architecture of unthinking twits. Senate seats are presently, and have always been, by appointment, not democratic election. (Have all those previously placed in the chamber been stamped with public approval? No.) Reformation of the Senate cannot occur with a snap of the fingers by a majority PM. The fundamental change firstly requires a Senate comprised of "like minds" (ie. Conservatives, not obstinate and/or obstructive Liberals and NDP partisans). Secondly, formal parliamentary support needs to be established. Thirdly, an amended constitution is required. Fourthly, said amendment needs provincial ratification. Given these FACTS, there's absolutely nothing wrong with putting two former senators back in place, in short order, and appointing a third qualified individual (a former cabinet minister) who happened to have just lost her seat. ...Time for certain folk to clue in, and smarten up.

Bob NS
said

Why not. It's done according to the legistation in place. It's played by the presents rules. It doesn't mean that the Conservatives are not to change the rules about the Senat. They can still table bills to reform to the Senate and then will see.

CMQ
said

The media is jumping all over this and what is disappointing is Craig Oliver not noting a difference here and that being, you cannot reform the senate unless the senate is sympathetic to reform. The senate gets the final vote on legislation about this. If the senate does not agree with the reform they simply vote the legislation down. The media is so biased here against the Conservatives they seem to not want to admit this. As for Layton, he is no different than the Liberals in complaining or he would state the obvious too, which I mentioned above. If Layton believed in senate reform who do you think he would put on there. Currently the only way on the senate is by appointment. If, in a few years reform does not take place then we can call Harper a hypocrite. Come on people take time to see the whole element involved here instead of constantly reacting.

Richard and Esther Provencher
said

It is amazing how quickly the media blazes forward against anything PM Harper does, anything that attracts attention. I remember the days when Mr. Chretien's similar moves hardly raised eyebrows. There appears to be a backlash from reporters who are sad the Liberals got clobbered in the recent election and this is another "gotcha' time against the Conservatives.Senate Committees are being struck and Mr. Manning will be the rep from NL. Did the folks want Danny WILLIAMS in the Senate instead? And Senator Smith will rep the Montreal area. Should the former Bloc leader have been nominated instead/ And before Mr. Layton gets all righteous, is he not the one along with his wife who each charge the taxpayers the housing allowance for the same unit they live in, even though it is apparently legal? I read this many times in the papers and they would not tell a fib, would they?

Len
said

What a crock! Patronage at its very best! All parties do it but over time but this is so blatant.Like the old saying - it pays to have friends in high places. Is this what we are to expect more and more from this Prime Minister?

Craig from NS
said

Harper doing what he said he was against. Did anyone not see this coming? If any Harper supporters use the argument that the Liberals did this for years, they fail to see the irony here and need to putt their heads out of the sand. It is going to be a long four years and the majority of Canadians are going to feel the pain. I don't support the "left" and I expect more from the "right".

Intelligent Liberal
said

Harper should not be appointing these losers to the Senate, there are many more qualified people more deserving. Senator Iggy would push for education and saving Canadian health care, but Harper is too afraid to make Iggy a Senator since Iggy is too Intelligent for Harper to try to deal with. Arnie Apps should be a senator too, for his work on amending the constituton by virtual voting.

KJS
said

Watch out Canadians. Harper is just getting started! Obviously, what the people want is simply not a priority with him.

Don
said

Get used to it people.Harper will run roughshod now that he has that majority.Democracy means nothing to this guy

Rene
said

Is anyone really surprised????

ElDiablo
said

Okay so that was kinda quick BUT, Harper said he would be cutting costs so why appoint two people who haven't been in the senate and have to pay them those wonderful retirement packages they get, when you have already gotten two people who are gonna get them so why pay out more. Its not like the two of them get a second pension just because they were appointed again..

TEA near Regina
said

What's the problem? We need a fair and balanced senate until it's reformed or abolished...

that's it
said

Just one thing Harper. If you do that. you go off in 4 years. You may don't care but will remember it for a long time. Better put MP''s there...

Mike in Pembroke
said

This is nothing new for PMs to do. The one question I have is why when Liberal Prime Ministers appointed their friends and supporters there was never any bitching about it. Now, because Harper is doing the same thing all you Liberal lovers are out yelling about it. Keep in mind that Harper must have a majority of votes in the Senate it get his Senate reform put through. These people who are complaining have to keep in mind that as long as the Senate is full of Liberals then Harpers Senate reform bill will never make it into law without the Senate passing it as well. I do not blame him for appointing people he knows will vote for his bills. I will close by asking you, if you were the PM, who would you appoint, someone who will support you or someone who will appose you?

Carl
said

These three were rejected by the Canadian people but Harper forces them on Canadians after they were voted out. The dictatorship will soon be in full swing.