This month Senator Ross Fitzpatrick reached a milestone when he celebrated his 75th birthday. For some of us that alone would seem to be an accomplishment but for the Senator it was just one more milestone in a very distinguished career.

Turning 75 also means that Senator Fitzpatrick is required to bring to a close his tenure as our Senator.

Senator Fitzpatrick represented us with dedication and never failed to do what he could to advance the prospects of our Region. He believed passionately in the Okanagan and its people and our ability to make the Valley a model for the 21st century – in his words “a sustainable, progressive economy operating within a healthy natural environment and maintaining an enviable quality of life.”

On behalf of the constituents of Kelowna-Lake Country I want to thank the Senator for representing the Okanagan and working hard on behalf of the people of this great region.

A Senator’s retirement inevitably raises the question of what the Government will do to fill the vacancy.

It is a particularly sensitive question for Western Canadians who have for sometime now believed that the Senate cannot play its role with any credibility when its members can remain there until they are 75 and they are not accountable to the public.

This sentiment is particularly strong when, as we are witnessing this week in Parliament, the Government is forced to pass a motion in the House simply to get the Senate to stop unnecessarily delaying important legislation like C-2, our Government’s key piece of crime legislation dealing with violent offenders, gun crime and age of consent.

The desire by Canadians to reform the Senate and make it a democratic and accountable institution was reflected in the government's consultations on democratic reform, which were completed in 2006.

A survey conducted as part of the consultations indicated that 79% of Canadians, that is, four out of five Canadians, supported Senate elections.
Reflecting the will of the people as the norm rather than the exception would enhance the Senate's legitimacy and relevance as a modern, vibrant legislative chamber while respecting its important and historic roles of providing sober second thought and a voice for Canada's regions and minorities.

This viewpoint of ordinary Canadians was reflected in the Government’s Speech from the Throne and was subsequently supported by the House of Commons. And in November 2007 the Government tabled legislation which will change the way Senators are appointed and for how long.

Bill C-20, which provides for consultations with electors on their preferences for appointments to the Senate, and C-19 which limits a Senator’s tenure to 8 years, reflects the Government’s commitment to move forward with democratic reform and provide Canadians with a Senate that is relevant to the 21st century.

The election of Albertan Bert Brown and his subsequent appointment to the Senate is a concrete example of what the legislation will allow the people and the Government to do together.

The people will select those they want to represent them in the Senate and the Government will be able to draw from that list when vacancies need to be filled.

Back her at home many of us are wondering if we can fill Ross Fitzpatrick’s shoes, and seat, with someone as committed and dedicated to the Okanagan.

I believe there are many talented people from the Region who could effectively represent us in the Senate of Canada keeping the issues and priorities of the Okanagan on the Government’s agenda. As one of the best champions of the Okanagan, I think Ross would agree.

If you are interested in more information about this legislation or on any matter related to the federal government, do not hesitate to contact me at ron@cannan.ca or by calling my office at 470-5075.