Canada is creating 20 new seats in the House of Commons. These seats will be filled by the average Joe's and Jane's of Canada and they will have all the powers and benefits of a regular Senator. Right now there taking applications then they will review the applications and choose 20 people that have made or try to make their community a better place. I got my fingers crossed that there going to choose me so I'm taking care of the little details now - like having a suit and getting a new Birth certificate just in case one of the other Senators pull a Obama on me (you have to be able to prove you were born in Canada to get the job. Cheers!
Thought I would add a link to more information
http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/wherry-senate-application-1.3669318
Does U.S. Senator Ted Cruz know about this? He was born in Canada. I wonder how many loonies the job pays?
I think it's over 40.000 loonies a year or 20.000 toonies ($2 coins) I'd choose the loonies because it would seem like I'm getting more. Ted Cruz might have to answer a skill testing question like - What's heavier a pound of loonies or a pound of dollars? Cheers!
Actually a suit isn't a requirement - you could wear a pair of kolots and a blouse and still get the to sit in the house of commons. Cheers!
Good luck!
Taking applications?
In addition to being an affront to "democracy" I have to wonder exactly whose interests those new "appointees" will represent. I'm betting that it will be the interests of those making the appointments and not in the interest of any citizens-at-large.
Senators in Canada are already appointed, not elected. This opens it up the the general public.
No I'm pretty sure you would still be allegeable. Curious if your happy with our new Prime minister - I think he's doing a pretty good job so far. Cheers!
I know - last mouth there wasn't a chance of me ever being a Senator now there is. Cheers!
Ya I'm wondering about that too - can only hope they pick some good solid people that have the best interest of the citizens of Canada at heart. Cheers!
Ah, didn't realize that.
A bit like the House of Lords in the UK then? Do they have any real power or are they largely symbolic?
It's a bit strange to me, being used to our system. They have the power to veto bills from the House of Commons, but apparently haven't done so since 1939. Like here, spending bills cannot originate in the Senate, and it seems they clarify bills more than ammend the bills comming from the House.
They are appointed to represent their region. Region, not province, as our Senators were originally appointed to represent state interests by the states. And they are appointed not by any body or official in the regions, but by the Governor General on the advice of the PM. There is a board that reviews candidates and advises the PM. They are also allowed to keep their position until mandatory retirement at 75.
So while it is not a setup I would favor, and there is talk of reform to make them elected rather than appointed, this does seem to be a step in that direction at least.
Here's an article, if you are interested.
It does seem to be a step in the right direction. :)
