The Red Chamber's attendance record has come under scrutiny, with a CBC News analysis revealing that dozens of senators routinely miss key votes. This raises important questions about the effectiveness and accountability of our upper house.
In the past year, the Senate has convened for a mere 76 sitting days, yet only a handful of senators maintained perfect attendance. The reasons for absence vary, from official commitments to illness, but the trend of senators briefly attending and then leaving early is particularly concerning.
The Impact of Absenteeism
The implications of this absenteeism are significant. Some legislative changes have passed with barely half of the senators casting votes, which undermines the legitimacy and representativeness of these decisions. It's a problem that has persisted even after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's reforms, which aimed to reduce party pressure and increase independence.
The issue of attendance is not new; it has been a concern during both the partisan and non-partisan eras. Prime Minister Mark Carney has acknowledged this, signaling a desire for change to ensure the Senate is equipped to handle ambitious legislation.
Perspectives and Justifications
Conservative Senate Leader Leo Housakos emphasizes that serving in the Red Chamber is a full-time commitment, questioning the appropriateness of senators with poor attendance records. Sen. Gigi Osler, however, argues that a senator's responsibilities extend beyond the chamber, cautioning against drawing conclusions solely based on attendance statistics.
Sen. Lucie Moncion, the facilitator of the Independent Senators Group, acknowledges the need to balance responsibilities, but the data suggests that this balance may not always be struck effectively.
The Cost of Absenteeism
The financial implications are also noteworthy. Senators are well-compensated, with a base salary of $192,700, and additional pay for various leadership roles. Yet, despite these incentives, absenteeism persists, with some senators missing over a third of scheduled days.
The absence of electronic voting in the Senate, unlike in the House of Commons, makes it difficult to accurately track attendance, especially for voice votes. This lack of transparency further complicates the issue.
The Way Forward
Donald Savoie, a former member of the Independent Advisory Board for Senate Appointments, believes that the lack of accountability is a key issue. As long as senators are appointed rather than elected, they are not answerable to voters, which fuels cynicism towards Canadian politics.
The solution, according to Savoie, is to ensure that senators prioritize their chamber duties over other commitments. With a relatively low number of sitting days, senators should be able to manage their schedules effectively.
In conclusion, the Red Chamber's attendance record is a symptom of a larger issue: the lack of accountability and the need for a more representative and effective upper house. It's time for a deeper conversation about the role and responsibilities of senators, and how we can ensure they are truly serving the interests of Canadians.
