The editorial by your managing editor. Neil Godbout, in the paper of Jan. 30 was amazing.
His article was such an outpouring of vitriol fired at Justin Trudeau that I suspect Mr. Godbout of campaigning for a Conservative Senate seat.
While Mr Godbout was busy loosing scattershot at the Liberal leader he failed to examine the goal of Mr. Trudeau's recent action in unleashing Liberal senators. He parrots Stephen Harper's ridicule. A clever statement without content.
Mr. Trudeau has freed Senators appointed by past Liberal leaders from party discipline. They may now vote according to their consciences and in the interests of their regions. The Constitution of Canada mandates that senators be appointed to represent our various regions in proportion to their population.
This implies that those senators, regardless of party, should respond to the needs and wishes of those regions, not march in lockstep with the whim of the leader of the party which appointed them. Rather than ridicule Mr. Trudeau, Stephen Harper should emulate him by freeing Conservative senators to vote their consciences.
Mr. Trudeau's action in freeing Liberal-appointed senators is a move in the direction of bringing democracy to our senate. It is a step which should be applauded by Mr. Godbout and his idol, Stephen Harper, former advocate of senate reform.
James Loughery
Prince George
