On March 1, 2016, an open letter to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged that he clarify his position on Senate vacancies and how it differs from that of his predecessor, former prime minister Stephen Harper. In particular, the letter proposes:

1. If you agree with Mr. Harper’s position that it’s good public policy to defer to the Prime Minister’s sole discretion to determine if and when Senate vacancies are filled, explain why
2. If you disagree, say so and do something about it. Make clear the criteria by which you consider yourself accountable. Better yet, make yourself (and your successors) accountable through clear and transparent legislation
3. If you remain opposed to the ongoing constitutional challenge to unfilled Senate vacancies, consider withdrawing your government’s demand to recover its legal costs
4. As an alternative to incurring further litigation costs at public expense, consider setting clear timelines for filling Senate vacancies so that a court decision isn’t required.

A copy of the complete letter is available here.