THE HOUSE OF THE FEDERATION: A CRITICAL EVALUATION

Abstract

This article considers various criticisms of the Trudeau government’s proposal to reconstitute the Canadian upper house in a House of the Federation, focusing in particular on the criticism of Senator Forsey. Those characteristics of the Senate similar to the House of the Federation are voting methods, the number of seats and the power to delay or defeat legislation. Also discussed are responsibilities related to language rights and the power to confirm or reject appointments. The proposal is commended as an alternative venue for the National Conference, but the author concludes with the prediction that the present system is simply too convenient for the proposal to succeed.