As a non-partisan voter, I believe in the value of the Senate and the
Governor-General to balance the powers of the House of Commons and the
Prime Minister.
I agree with Harper recommending Senators to the GG to balance the Senate, according to the Constitution.
However, I do not agree with the appointments being made by the GG
until it is clear that Harper has regained the confidence of the House.
Because of the current crisis in the House, created by Harper's folly
of the 'economic update', Canadians are becoming more knowledgeable
about our system of governance and why it includes the GG and the
Senate. If the GG is intended to have powers to protect Canadians from
'rogue' governments, now is the time to prove to Canadians that the
power continues to exist.
The already cynical populace needs some assurance that a PM cannot just
lose confidence of the House, prorogue parliament, and continue to
exercise all of his powers and more: That is a dictatorship.
I believe it is essential that the GG insist that Harper regain the
confidence of the House before his recommendations for the Senate
appointments can be approved by the GG.
I would add ... Harper has 18 appts to make, which still means a Liberal majority in the Senate (58-38).