Encyclopedia > Alberta Senate nominee election, 1989
The 1st Alberta Senate nominee election was held on October 16, 1989 which resulted in the first, and only, Canadian Senator appointed following a popular election.
Western Canadian premiers made senate reform their key demand. Although no formal agreement could be made on substantive reform, a compromise was reached. The Accord would amend the consitution to require the federal government to appoint senators from lists provided by the provinces and require the future negotiations for substantive reforms.
In response, the Alberta government passed the Senatorial Selection Act in late 1987 which led to this election being held. Despite the failure of Meech Lake, and the subsequent Charlottetown Accord, Alberta continues to hold elections for Senate nominees as a protest.
Senators’ views on these matters can also be forwarded to the Executive Committee in care of its Secretary, Harriet Lewis (hlewis@yorku.ca).
Senators are also expected to perform an information and communication function by alerting colleagues to important issues, sharing points of view with Senate committees and Senate itself, and encouraging collegial discussion.
A smaller Senate (or a Senate that was capped in size while the University grew) may not itself guarantee improved attendance, and could have the appearance of reducing access to the most visible pan-University academic forum.
Feeds |
Contact