Ottawa: The Honourable Pierre Poilievre, Minister of State for Democratic Reform, today commented on the Supreme Court’s opinion on the Senate reference.
“Our Government asked the Supreme Court of Canada for a legal instruction manual on how to proceed with Senate reform. We now have that manual.
“On February 1, 2013, six questions were put to the Supreme Court to clarify which of the amending procedures in the constitution were appropriate to bring much needed change to the Upper Chamber.
“Canadians overwhelmingly believe the Senate must be reformed. Our Government has always been committed to reforming the Senate. Unfortunately, the Supreme Court has decided Parliament cannot make meaningful reforms.
“Our Government does not have any intention of reopening constitutional debates at this point. We will continue to do everything we can to minimize costs in the Senate and make it more transparent and accountable to Canadians.
“We remain committed to making the Senate a more accountable institution.”
