Senate ‘modernization’ in the Carney era: why partisanship isn’t what we need to worry about

While proponents of democracy and political equality are likely not thrilled with the prospect of a throwback to cronyism, the more concerning part of the prime minister’s plan is his intent to recruit Senators from 'key Canadian strategic industries.'

There is no doubt that this type of experience would be useful in the legislative process and is consistent with Prime Minister Mark Carney’s overall focus on economic growth, private investment, and infrastructure. But it could set the Senate up for a significantly higher risk of real, potential, and apparent conflicts of interests.The Hill Times photograph by Aidan Raynor

Opinion

BY LORI TURNBULL

July 13, 2026

Prime Minister Mark Carney has a plan to “modernize” the Senate. If this sounds familiar, it’s likely because his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, said the same thing 11 years ago. Trudeau’s reform measures sought to eliminate partisanship from Senate appointments—or a...

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