Canadian Senate

The Senate (French: Sénat) is a component of the Parliament of Canada, which also includes the Sovereign (represented by the Governor General) and the House of Commons. The Senate is an appointed body, consisting of 105 members appointed by the Governor General on the advice of the Prime Minister. Senate seats are divided among the provinces in such a way that Ontario, Quebec, the Maritime provinces, and the Western provinces are equally represented. The number of seats for Newfoundland and Labrador, the Northwest Territories, Yukon, and Nunavut are assigned apart from these regional divisions. Senators serve until they reach the age of seventy-five.

Related Topics:
French - Parliament of Canada - Sovereign - Governor General - House of Commons - Prime Minister - Ontario - Quebec - Maritime provinces - Western provinces - Newfoundland and Labrador - Northwest Territories - Yukon - Nunavut

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Senate is the upper house of Parliament, whereas the House of Commons is the lower house.

Related Topics:
Upper house - Lower house

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As a matter of practice and custom, the Senate is far less powerful than the House of Commons. Although the approval of both Houses is necessary for legislation, the Senate very rarely rejects bills passed by the democratically elected Commons. Moreover, the Government of Canada is responsible solely to the House of Commons; the Prime Minister stays in office only as long as he or she retains the support of the Lower House. The Senate, however, does not exercise any such power. Bills, with the exception of money bills, can be started in either House. Normally, government legislation is introduced in the House of Commons, but a number of government bills are introduced in the Senate. Also, private bills (not to be confused with private member's bills) are normally introduced in the Senate. Constitutionally, money bills must be started in the House of Commons.

Related Topics:
Legislation - Bill - Democratically - Elected - Government of Canada - Money bills

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As does the House of Commons, the Senate sits at Parliament Hill, in Ottawa, Ontario. Each House has separate chambers at the Parliament Buildings.

Related Topics:
Parliament Hill - Ottawa - Ontario

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~