Background

Background

This page contains links to background information regarding the current and historical vacancies in the Senate and links to further reading.

Public statements by the Prime Minister regarding the filling of vacancies

Video clip of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s comments in Markham, Ontario (December 4, 2014). Source: CBC News.

Toronto Star, “Stephen Harper in no rush to fill Senate vacancies” (December 4, 2014) by Joanna Smith.

 

Media coverage regarding unfilled vacancies

Loonie Politics, “Vacant Senate seats breaking Confederation’s promises” (December 23, 2013) by Dale Smith.

CBC News, “Stephen Harper under pressure to fill Senate vacancies” (July 8, 2014) by Rosemary Barton.

CBC News, “Is Stephen Harper obliged to fill empty Senate seats?” (July 10, 2014) by James Cudmore.

La Presse, <<Sénat: près de 20% des sièges seront bientôt vacants>> (July 11, 2014) by Joel-Denis Bellavance.

The Western Producer, “Harper’s refusal to appoint senators threatens Parliament’s viability” (July 24, 2014) by Kelsey Johnson.

Macleans, “Why do we have a Senate?” (December 5, 2014) by Aaron Wherry.

 

Historical Senate composition and vacancies

The Library of Parliament maintains this web page report showing the historical standings in the Senate. The final column marked “Vac.” indicates the number of vacancies at any reported time since 1867.

 

Further Reading