Jordan Bateman, B.C. Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, released this statement after the BC Liberal Government opposed the BC NDP’s motion to abolish the Senate on February 17:

“Today, the BC Liberals defended the actions and reputation of the Senate, an institution that has irrevocably lost the trust of Canadians. It is disappointing that the BC Liberal government did not see fit to join other western provinces – whether it be Saskatchewan or Manitoba, who support abolition, or Alberta, which has moved to elect its senators – and state British Columbia’s preference clearly. Instead, it’s a status quo Senate as far as B.C. is concerned: underrepresented, unaccountable and out of touch with everyday Canadians.

“The BC NDP should be congratulated for bringing forward the motion to abolish the Senate, and for trying to get clarity from the BC Liberals on what they support. It’s astonishing to think, after years of scandals and corruption, that any MLA would stand up and defend the Senate, yet this is precisely what happened today in Victoria.

“The Senate is a bad deal for British Columbians. It is a house full of patronage and scandal, and we hope BC Liberal MLAs give the issue a ‘sober second look,’ bring back the motion to abolish the upper chamber, and put B.C.’s concerns ahead of the partisan optics of supporting another party’s motion.”