About the Senate
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
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.
Parliament’s 105 senators shape Canada’s future. Senators scrutinize legislation, suggest improvements and fix mistakes. When the Senate speaks, the House of Commons listens — a bill must pass the Senate before it can become law.
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.
Senators
The Senate counts some of Canada’s most accomplished women and men among its members. Armed with energy and wisdom, senators make the Red Chamber home to ideas, inspiration and vigorous debate.
Senators come from diverse ethnic, socio-economic and cultural backgrounds; they use the knowledge gleaned from their own experiences to give Canada’s regions and minorities a strong voice in Parliament.
The Legislative Process
In Canada's Parliament, bills may originate in either of its two houses - the Senate and the House of Commons. Most legislation begins in the House of Commons, where bills are assigned the letter "C" and a number (e.g. C-201). Bills that are introduced in the Senate are given the letter "S' and a number (e.g. S-201).
Regardless of where a bill originates, it must be passed by both houses in identical form before it can receive Royal Assent and become law.