Prime Minister pledges to let Senate wither on the vine

The Prime Minister has pledged that there will be no more appointments to the Senate, an apparent attempt to let the institution wither on the vine. Speaking in Regina, Mr. Harper said he believed this strategy would force provinces which oppose abolition to deal with the matter. The Supreme Court of Canada effectively eliminated all chance of abolition 18 months ago by finding such a move unconstitutional unless all ten provinces agreed. Even a winning referendum would not allow abolition since the power to decide would remain with the Cabinets of each of the provinces. Ontario is opposed to abolition.