Sun Media: PM filling 18 senate seats by Christmas

[tuvor]

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper will fill up to 18 vacant seats in the Senate before Christmas, Sun Media has learned.

A senior Conservative official said the government remains committed to advancing the cause of Senate reform, but said it has made little progress since the Tories took power in 2006. With the threat of a Liberal-NDP coalition supported by the Bloc Quebecois toppling the government early in the new year, Harper will appoint a slate of Senators who must promise to step down if and when Canada moves to an elected selection process.

“We feel it would be irresponsible to wait. We will fill those vacancies before Christmas and we are looking for candidates who are committed to Senate reform,” the official said.

With the Liberal-stacked Senate currently thin in Conservative ranks, the source said it is difficult to perform the basics like fill committees.

...

http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Canada/2008/12/10/7702161.html

[HeresyLives]

1. So much for another Conservative

promise. :nuke:

[daleo]

2. They want to be sure to make these appointments before they are defeated

Some big players in the Conservative Party need a safe place to ride out the storm, once Harper is given the boot. The Senate will do nicely.

[daleo]

3. Can he do this while the Commons is prorogued?

I recall reading how the GG would put some limits on him during this interval - appointing senators was one of the things mentioned. It would be incredibly provocative to go through with this move under the circumstances. Clearly, he is angling for an election in February or early March.

[Metric System]

4. She didn't put any restrictions on him. Ugh.