Bill that would let B.C. voters choose senators aimed at generating debate

VICTORIA – Legislation introduced in Victoria would allow British Columbia residents to vote for the people they want to serve in the Senate in Ottawa.

But no one will be voting any time soon because Justice Minister Shirley Bond says the government doesn’t intend to pass the bill before the provincial election in May.

Bond says the main aim of the bill is to get people talking about senate reform and to see how the elections would work.

Under the legislation, Elections BC would oversee elections of senate nominees, who would then be recommended to the prime minister for appointment to the Upper Chamber.

The elections could be conducted in conjunction with provincial elections or held on their own, and might include mail-in ballots.

Alberta and Saskatchewan have similar legislation to elect senate nominees.