Senators pass new rules entrenching independent groups, angering Tories

Canada's upper house has adopted a new set of rules that the Liberal government says will further entrench its independence, as the dominos from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Senate reforms continue to fall.

Canada's upper house has adopted a new set of rules that the Liberal government says will further entrench its independence, as the dominos from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Senate reforms continue to fall.

The large majority of senators voted in favour of the sweeping changes earlier this month.

But the Conservatives -- whose numbers have dwindled down to just 13 seats -- say the government is trying to weaken their position in the Senate and hamstring future Tory governments.

The new rule changes give more power to each of the groups recognized by Senate modernization legislation that Parliament passed in 2022.

Rather than mimicking the dual roles of government and Opposition in the House of Commons, the Senate now gives additional groups similar powers and additional speaking time during debates.

The leaders of recognized groups, three of which now outnumber the Tories, can now defer votes on legislation and sit in on committees to question witnesses.

It means less time for the official Opposition to give speeches and pose questions.