Senator Paul J. Massicotte

Immediate release

Working Sessions on Senate Modernization Report

OTTAWA, December 11, 2015 – Working Sessions on Senate Modernization were held by about 40 Senators from October 26^th - 28^th in Ottawa. These sessions dealt with improvements to the operations and practices of the Senate Chamber. Attendees included Senators from the Conservative and Liberal Independent caucuses and Independents. All Senators were invited.

The object of the Working Sessions was to suggest ways the Senate could become more effective in carrying out its constitutional responsibilities and in better serving the aspirations of Canadians.

These Sessions were hosted by Senator Paul J. Massicotte and Senator Stephen Greene and were assisted by Senator Scott Tannas and Senator Larry Campbell.

Now that the Senate caucuses have been briefed on the results and the report on the Sessions has been deposited in the Senate Chamber, we are pleased to release information on them to the public. Please find in the attached report and appendix:

1. The questionnaire that was used to determine issues in advance of the Sessions.
2. An analysis in chart form of the answers to the questionnaire.
3. The agenda of the Working Sessions on Senate Modernization.
4. A list of 10 issues that were discussed in detail, in seeking broad consensus. 
5. A list of consensus resolutions which came out of the Sessions on possible improvements, for recommendations to our Leaders, Caucuses and colleagues.

 We now urge our Leaders, Caucuses and colleagues to formally have the Senate approve and implement all of these recommendations as soon as possible.