Ottawa, ON (June 21, 2011) – Today, the Harper government introduced the Senate Reform Act to make the Senate more democratic, accountable, and representative of Canadians.

“After receiving a strong mandate from Canadians, our Government is taking action on our commitment to make the Senate more democratic, accountable, and representative of Canadians,” said Tim Uppal, Minister of State (Democratic Reform). “With the Senate Reform Act, tabled today in the House of Commons, our Government is proposing measures that will give Canadians a say in the selection of their Senate nominees and will limit new senators to one nine-year term.”

The Senate Reform Act, introduced in the House of Commons today, provides a voluntary framework for provinces to implement a democratic process that enables voters to select nominees for the Senate. The Prime Minister will be required to consider the names of Senate nominees when making recommendations on appointments to the Senate. The province of Alberta has already established a democratic process for the selection of senators, which resulted in the appointment of Senator Bert Brown in 2007.

“Once again, our government is moving forward with our commitment to Canadian citizens,” Brian Jean, MP for Fort McMurray – Athabasca. “We promised democratic reform and we are delivering.”

“The Prime Minister has already demonstrated his commitment to this process with my appointment to the Senate,” said Senator Brown. “This bill is an important step in making the Senate more representative of Canada and Canadians in the 21st century.”

Senators who were or will be appointed after the October 2008 election will be subject to nine-year terms from the date of the coming into force of the bill.

“We have listened to Canadians and acted quickly on our commitment to move forward with these important and reasonable Senate reforms,” added Minister Marjory LeBreton. “The measures introduced today will go a long way in making the Senate a more accountable and democratic institution.”

“As a senator, I am well aware of the importance of the Senate in our parliamentary system,” said Senator Claude Carignan. “The Senate Reform Act, announced today in the House of Commons, builds on our Government’s long-standing commitment to transform the Senate into a renewed institution based on democratic principles.”

For more information, visit www.democraticreform.gc.ca.