Ottawa – The Government of Canada’s eight-year term limit legislation is the first step in bringing democratic legitimacy to Canada’s Senate, said Tom Lukiwski Member of Parliament for Regina – Lumsden – Lake Centre.

“Today’s re-introduction of eight year term limits for Senators demonstrates our Government’s commitment to Senate reform,” said Lukiwski. “It is unacceptable to Canadians that unelected Senators can hold a term of up to 45 years.”

This afternoon, Minister of State for Democratic Reform, Steven Fletcher, re-introduced legislation that would limit the terms of Senators to one non-renewable term of eight years. Currently, if Senators are appointed at the minimum appointed age of 30 and serve until the retirement age of 75 years they will hold a term of 45 years.

All Senators appointed after the October 2008 general election will have a term of eight years once this Bill receives Royal Assent.

“Our Government reaffirmed its commitment to Senate Reform in the 2010 Throne Speech, “said Lukiwski “We will continue to push for further reform to ensure the Senate reflects a 21st Century democratic institution.”