An Aboriginal Activist in the province says the government needs to consult aboriginal people before any changes are made to the Senate.
Kim Beaudin of the Aboriginal Affairs Coalition says there’s too much at stake for the government to decide the issue on its own.
He notes the Supreme Court of Canada is currently mulling over a question that was posed to it by the government, namely, what kind of consensus would be needed to reform or abolish the Senate.
Beaudin believes the highest court in the land will rule that aboriginal people need to be consulted before any changes are made:
“They’re going to come up with a conclusion that Aboriginal People need to be consulted with — before any abolishment of the Senate or reform can take place because we’re talking about Constitutional issues here and we’re a part of that.”
He acknowledges the Senate is currently in a state of disrepute but feels it plays a vital role in the protection of minority rights.