The Senate is the Upper House in Canada’s bicameral parliamentary democracy. It unites a diverse group of accomplished Canadians in service of their country.
A bill must pass the Senate before it can receive Royal Assent and become law. Parliament’s 105 Senators shape Canada’s future. Each uses their expertise to scrutinize legislation, suggest improvements and ensure our federal policies are as effective as possible.
Senators also propose their own bills and generate debate about issues of national importance in the collegial environment of the Senate Chamber, where ideas are debated on their merit.
Created to counterbalance representation by population in the House of Commons, the Senate has evolved from defending regional interests to giving voice to underrepresented groups like Indigenous peoples, visible minorities and women.
For more about the Senate, click here.