FROLITICKS

In recent weeks, a number of media accounts have emerged revealing inappropriate spending by Canadian Senators.  It appears that some Senators aren’t certain where their “primary residence” is, although their appointment is based on the province which they are supposed to be a resident and to represent.  Instead, we have Senators living year round in Ottawa who are claiming out-of-town residential and other expenses based on summer cottages, empty lots, and parental residences.  Ouch!!!  Now, taxpayers, who are already paying crazy salaries, endless benefits and exorbitant pension plans are on the hook for these additional costs.  All for Senators who in many cases are in the Senate a few months of the year.  Cushy job, how does one get appointed?  Easy, just chum around with the current Prime Minister or work, run for or support the ruling party at some time in one’s past.  Frankly, this so-called “honourable” institution of second sober thought needs to disappear.  It’s no more than an out-dated anachronism.  Provincial/territorial governments have performed quite well without a second level of governance.  Can we really afford to continue to fiscally support an old boys/girls club in Ottawa?  This is the twenty-first century and the Net Generation is changing the way in which politics is carried out and how societal policies are developed.  They won’t stand for the continuance of outdated, expensive and exclusionary processes.  At least, I hope that they won’t.

Posted in Canada, Federal Government, The Senate

Tags: Canadian Senate, Senate Reform, Senate Scandals