Nenshi needs to be clear on abolishing the Senate
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi to tell Albertans where he stands on abolishing the federal Senate.
“Albertans are being asked a referendum question about whether to abolish the federal Senate, but we haven’t heard from Nenshi on this,” said Kris Sims, CTF Alberta Director. “We have heard from federal NDP Leader Avi Lewis that the Senate should be abolished, but nothing from Nenshi.”
On October 19, Albertans vote on Question 7: whether the Government of Alberta should work with other willing provinces to amend the Constitution and abolish the unelected federal Senate.
The federal NDP says the Senate violates basic democratic principles. Jack Layton called it a 19th-century institution with no place in a modern democracy. The CCF’s 1933 Regina Manifesto said Canada must amend the Constitution to abolish the Senate. The Alberta NDP’s news releases and Nenshi’s X account do not mention the Senate referendum question, and the CTF has not received a reply after asking his team for the party’s position.
“If we have Reform Party founder Preston Manning saying it’s time for Albertans to send a strong message to Ottawa to abolish the Senate and Avi Lewis agrees, it’s time for Nenshi to state the obvious and confirm he’s in favour of scrapping the Senate,” said Sims.