Harper's Disdain for democracy continues

Stephen Harper will propose new Senate Reform bills in the next session, according to the Hill Times. It may look to some like Harper is acting to bring more democracy to Canada, after he has exhibited shameful disdain for democracy in prorogation. However, the way in which Harper proposes to bring this reform goes against our form of government just as much as prorogation.

Stephen Harper is seeking to superimpose bills passed by Parliament onto the Constitution, and make them override the clauses in the constitution regarding the Senate. The proper procedure that experts have identified would be to follow the usual procedure for such amendments, namely obtaining consent of 7 provinces with more than 50% of Canada's population.

Stephen Harper may say he wants to bring more democracy with these bills, but if he proposes them, that will be yet another undemocratic action in a growing list.