hat makes up Canada. Clearly, constitutional talks that emphasize the regional and linguistic differences separating Canadians have not been the right approach as this issue is far from resolved. It may be time to stop comparing two groups, English and French, and time to start recognizing the differences between the many groups that started this country which may make Canadian realize the common areas that bind the people of Canada together rather than the differences that separate us.Another issue that Quebecers feel strongly about is the need for a formal voice for Quebec in the Supreme Court appointments. While I don't disagree that all provinces, including Quebec should have a voice in the Senate, I feel that rather than appointing senators, Senators should be elected officials. The existing Senate lacks legitimacy because it is based on political appointments. (Jackson & Jackson, 1998: 184) As senators are appointed by the Governor General on recommendations from the federal government, a senator's appointment is tied directly to the party in power. This affords the ruling party the advantage of using political clout to appoint similar minded senators and garner favourable rulings from the Senate. While Albertan's favour a Triple-E Senate (equal, elective and effective) it would appear that this system of equal provincial representation from all provinces would be equitable. Ontario, the largest province with regards to population, would receive the same number of senators, as would Prince Edward Island, the smallest province. (Jackson & Jackson, 1998: 182) However, the number of elected senators from each region could be designated in a similar fashion to federal elections where it could be based on population distribution. This would guarantee that all regions rather than just the federal government would have a voice in the Senate. It would also make senators accountable to the people who elected them. Senators wo...
