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The recent appointment of two independent senators has once again brought to the forefront the pressing question: Do we still need the Canadian Senate?

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For decades, Canadians have debated the merits and drawbacks of this institution, often characterized as a chamber of “sober second thought.” However, as we delve deeper into its history and current function, it becomes increasingly clear that the Senate has outlived its usefulness and has become a significant financial burden on the taxpayer.

The Canadian Senate, as it stands today, costs tens of millions of dollars annually. This sum includes the salaries of senators — which exceed $150,000 per year — their staff, travel expenses, and other associated costs.

Senators, who are appointed rather than elected, enjoy tenure until the mandatory retirement age of 75. This lifetime appointment raises serious concerns about accountability. Unlike Members of Parliament, who must answer to their constituents at the ballot box, senators are not directly accountable to the Canadian public. They are not required to vote in the interests of the citizens they are supposed to serve. Instead, they often operate under the radar, free from the........

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