What is Causing Controversy Surrounding the Recent Senate Appointments?

September 3, 2024 TruthUSA

There has been criticism from various sectors of society, including a provincial premier, regarding Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s latest appointments to the Senate.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith expressed disappointment that the will of Albertans was not respected in the appointments of Daryl Fridhandler and Kristopher Wells as independent senators representing Alberta. Alberta has been conducting non-binding elections since 1989 to choose its senators-in-waiting, making it the only jurisdiction with such a practice.

In response to the appointments on Aug. 31, Smith took to social media, stating, “The Senate continues to lose credibility as an institution and needs to be entirely reformed.”

Fridhandler, a lawyer who previously held roles with the Liberal Party and the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta, and Wells, an associate professor at MacEwan University, were the appointees for Alberta.

The PMO, Fridhandler, and Wells were approached for comment but did not respond by publication time.

Alberta’s most recent Senate election in 2021 saw Pam Davidson and Erika Barootes, both affiliated with the Conservative Party of Canada, winning the majority of votes. Scott Tannas, elected in 2013, is currently Alberta’s last elected Senate appointee.

Two weeks prior to the Alberta appointments, Charles Adler was appointed to represent Manitoba in the Senate, while Tracy Muggli received the nod for Saskatchewan.

Adler’s appointment was praised by the PMO for his advocacy for human rights and Canadian democracy, while Muggli was commended for her public service career and past affiliations with the Liberal Party.

Independent Senators

All senators appointed by Trudeau are considered independent following his decision to end partisan appointments in 2015. Trudeau previously removed all senators from the Liberal caucus before taking office.

Candidates for the Senate are vetted by the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, which provides recommendations to the prime minister. Appointment formalities are completed by the governor general.

Conservatives have contested the independent label given to the recent appointees, arguing that many of them have affiliations with the Liberal Party.

Senator Tannas, in a previous interview, noted significant changes in the Senate atmosphere since his appointment in 2013, emphasizing reduced animosity and partisan politics.

The total number of Senate appointees under Trudeau now stands at 86 out of 105 seats in the Upper Chamber.

Despite the apparent Liberal majority, the Senate has demonstrated independence from the House in certain legislative matters.

Trudeau’s reforms to the Senate structure have faced challenges, including a Supreme Court ruling in 2014 that blocked proposed changes towards electing senators.

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