What is the role of the Senate in Canada’s Parliament?

The role of the Senate in Canada’s Parliament is to provide "sober second thought" on legislation. This means that the Senate reviews and analyzes bills passed by the House of Commons, ensuring they are thoroughly examined from different perspectives before becoming law. Senators, who are appointed rather than elected, bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that allows for a detailed evaluation of proposed legislation. This process is intended to improve the quality of laws by scrutinizing their implications and offering amendments where necessary. The Senate acts as a check on the legislative process, helping to uphold the interests of all Canadians and contributing to a more deliberative and cautious approach to law-making.

In this context, while drafting new laws is primarily the responsibility of the House of Commons, the Senate's role is more about assessment and revision. Conducting elections is not within the Senate's purview; that function is handled by independent electoral bodies. Additionally, while the Senate can advise the Prime Minister, it does not serve solely as an advisory body but rather as a key legislative chamber in government, complementing the work of the House of Commons.