I am actually not personally opposed to the purpose of a senate, although it is a salient grenade used by the parties. Only the NDP have stuck to their guns, refusing to accept Lillian Dyck’s desire to sit as an NDP senator (as the party does not advocate the senate). Personally, I think the sober second thought, devoid of any threat of being removed from office, allows these people to operate with autonomy from the party whips. This autonomy I appreciate, but it is a dangerous position for the parties who now spar over the fate of the senate. Given these life appointments, experience is crucial if these people are to bring insight and value to the senate. I decided to pull up some recent senate appointments, to see how their sober second experiences stack up.
Past Liberal appointments:
- Mary Sandra Lovelace Nicholas – aboriginal women’s rights advocate
- Larry Campbell – RCMP officer, drug squad, BC chief Coroner
- Lillian Dyck – neuroscientist, sought to sit as an NDP senator
- Romeo Dallaire – veteran of the Rwandan Peacekeeping Mission, numerous awards, citation
Some recent Conservative Senators:
- Linda Frum – Journalist
- Mike Duffy – Journalist
- Pamela Wallin – Journalist
