While unknown to a majority of Canadians, Canada actually does have a senate. Within Canada’s political structure and systems, an often forgotten part of it, that is glaringly undemocratic is the Senate. The senate composed of 105 seats, distributed from throughout the country, are individuals appointed by the governor general, on the advice of the Prime Minister, and completely not elected, undermining democratic representation needed for a true democracy.
As well as the fact, they can serve from the moment of appointment till the age of 75, with an incredibly slim way of exiting such a role, no matter their personal interference with the democratic processes through big corporations, or influence within the election.
Why Is It Undemocratic?
Sitting in powerful chambers within Parliament, majority of Canadians neither are aware that Canada has a senate and neither that they have absolutely no say in who is to present their province. Meant to serve as a method of obtaining a ‘second-thought’ on bills being passed, senators obstruct passing of bills that reflect the will of citizens, as they are not held accountable to any citizens and are free to pursue their own self-interest.
Philosophical Lens
Philosophers such as Rosseasu, argued through his works, that a true democracy must be rooted within the will of the people it is meant to represent, which cannot occur if Canada has Senators appointed to spew their oligarchy-like influence, separating the public from decisions and governance.
Many have called for the removal of this process, such as former NDP leader, Jack Layton, who recognized the senate as a massive contradiction to Canada’s identity as a democratic nation. It is institutions and processes, such as the Senate, that slowly chip away at the influence of the true will of Canadians, and encourages disengagement within a system that is meant to run on the people
TL;DR
It is impossible for the entire will of Canadians to be continued to be recognized with the Senate.