Senate of Canada facts for kids
The Senate of Canada is an important part of Canada's government. It is like a second chamber of the Parliament of Canada, working alongside the House of Commons. The Senate's main job is to review and approve new laws.
There are 105 members in the Canadian Senate. These members are called senators. They are chosen by the Prime Minister of Canada and then officially appointed by the Governor General of Canada.
The number of senators from different parts of Canada is not the same. Canada is divided into four main regions for the Senate, and each of these regions has 24 senators.
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What is the Senate of Canada?
The Senate is often called the "upper house" of Canada's Parliament. This means it is one of two main groups that make laws for the country. The other group is the House of Commons. The Senate helps make sure new laws are fair and well-thought-out before they become official.
How Senators Are Chosen
Senators are not elected by the public like Members of Parliament (MPs) in the House of Commons. Instead, they are appointed. This means the Prime Minister suggests people for the job, and the Governor General formally appoints them. Senators can serve until they are 75 years old.
Who Can Become a Senator?
To become a senator, a person must be at least 30 years old. They must also own property worth at least $4,000 in the province they represent. This rule helps ensure senators have a connection to the area they serve.
How the Senate Works
The Senate plays a key role in making laws. When a new law is proposed, it usually starts in the House of Commons. After the House of Commons approves a bill, it goes to the Senate for review.
Reviewing New Laws
Senators carefully examine each bill. They can suggest changes or improvements to the bill. They might hold meetings and listen to experts or people who would be affected by the law. This process helps catch any problems or unfair parts of a bill before it becomes law.
Representing Regions and Minorities
One important role of the Senate is to represent different regions of Canada. It also gives a voice to minority groups who might not be as strongly represented in the House of Commons. This helps ensure that laws consider the needs of all Canadians.
Regions of the Senate
Canada's Senate is set up to give fair representation to different parts of the country. There are four main regions, each with 24 senators:
- Ontario
- Quebec
- The Maritimes (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island)
- The Western Provinces (Manitoba, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Alberta)
There are also special rules for other areas. Newfoundland and Labrador has 6 senators. The three northern territories (Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut) each have 1 senator. This brings the total number of senators to 105.
Images for kids
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Temporary Senate Building
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The Senate Chamber of Parliament Hill in Ottawa.
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The Senate of Canada
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The Senate of Canada
See also
In Spanish: Senado de Canadá para niños
