REALITY CHECK: Stephen Harper’s sad record on the Senate

Once upon a time, Stephen Harper and the Conservatives promised they would reform the Senate.

The Prime Minister even vowed he would never appoint a single Senator.

“I will not name appointed people to the Senate. Anyone who sits in the Parliament of Canada must be elected by the people they represent.”

– Stephen Harper, March 14, 2004

“But the real concern is, whether it's women or men or French or English or whatever, these people inevitably don't represent anybody but the prime minister who appoints them."

– Stephen Harper, March 23, 1995

“We don't think as a party that patronage has any place in the Parliament of Canada."

– Stephen Harper, March 22, 1995

"An appointed Senate is a relic of the 19th Century."

– Stephen Harper, December 14, 2005

How times have changed.

Stephen Harper has appointed 59 Senators, none of whom were elected by the people they represent.

Instead of reforming the Senate, Stephen Harper has stacked it with failed Conservative candidates and insiders, while the PMO has become embroiled in Senate scandals and cover-ups.

The old school parties continue to use the Senate as a campaign slush fund and taxpayers are left with the bill.

Canadians deserve better.