“We can call ourselves what we choose to call ourselves”: booted Liberal senators vow to create own Senate caucus

Video: Liberal leader Justin Trudeau stunned just about everyone, even those in his own caucus, by declaring there is no longer any such thing as a Liberal senator. Shirlee Engel explains.

OTTAWA – Newly-declared independent senators praised leader Justin Trudeau’s surprise decision to boot them from his national caucus Wednesday – even as they vowed to create their own Liberal caucus in the upper house.

Confusion reigned following Trudeau’s announcement, with some of the 32 “formerly Liberal” senators continuing to declare themselves Liberal despite Trudeau’s declaration that they are now independents.

“I am a Liberal. That is a fact. Can’t change it. And we have agreed, a strong consensus, to remain as the Senate Liberal caucus,” said Alberta Sen. Grant Mitchell.

“I applaud Mr. Trudeau for the way that he took the position that he took, the manner in which he handled it, the manner in which he addressed an issue that’s been building and burgeoning. He’s been listening to Canadians and so have we,” said Mitchell.

He added, “We can call ourselves what we choose to call ourselves.”

Sen. James Cowan, who serves as Opposition Leader in the Senate, said he would remain in his position, as would deputy leader Sen. Joan Fraser and chief opposition whip Sen. Jim Munson.

“I think not a lot will change,” said Cowan.

“There’s a perception perhaps that Senators in our party and in the other party are under the control of folks on the other side. That’s not been the case on our side, we obviously talk (and) consult with them. We have had the privilege of being part of their caucus up to now. We won’t have that anymore but we’ll continue to talk to them and I suspect that not a great deal will change with respect to that.”

Cowan said after the news was digested, the senators decided it gives them the independence both they and Canadians want.

“We feel liberated by this, we feel positive about it, and we’re going to continue to do our job which I think we’ve done very, very well,” said Cowan.

“I’m not a former Liberal. I’m a Liberal.”

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Sen. Serge Joyal said he still has a Liberal membership card, can attend nomination meetings, can vote for candidates and can propose policies in national conventions.

Added Munson, “We’re proud Liberals fighting for Liberal values. We always have been. That’s why we’re here.”

The senators said Trudeau told them about his decision Wednesday morning, shortly before he made his public announcement. The Liberal leader said the move is aimed at reducing partisanship in the Senate and restoring its intended role as an independent chamber of sober second thought.

“There are no more Liberal senators,” he said.

Trudeau said if elected as prime minister, he would put in place an open, non-partisan appointment process for senators, similar to those for Supreme Court Justices and Order of Canada recipients. He said senators would sit independent from the parties in the House of Commons.

He said the senators will no longer be part of the Parliamentary and operational team of the Liberal party, although any individual is free to take out a membership.

“As far as political operatives, these senators will no longer be Liberal organizers, fundraisers, activists in any form,” he said.

Quebec Sen. Paul Massicotte, who doesn’t usually attend party caucus meetings, said the Senate had become too partisan and controlled.

“When you got to national caucus, you talk a lot about what’s outstanding, what the issues are. You hear their points of view and you get influenced. So at least now we won’t have the…brainwash that occurs at national caucus,” he said.

“You’ll see in time, I think, Senators will become more independent, less partisan.”

When asked if he still considered himself a Liberal, Massicotte said: “I think so.”

Trudeau also called on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to join the Liberals “in ending patronage and partisanship in the Senate.”

The Conservatives responded to Trudeau’s announcement by calling it “a smokescreen” in advance of the upcoming auditor general’s report on Senate spending.

“He’s looking for a public relations manoeuvre,” said Pierre Poilievre, minister of state for democratic reform.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair noted that Trudeau voted against an NDP motion last October which called on both the Liberals and Conservatives to cut their senators loose. He, too, suggested the looming auditor general’s report might have something to do with Trudeau’s change of heart.

Conservative Sen. Larry Smith said his party has been clear about Senate reform, with its reference question now before the Supreme Court of Canada for consideration.

“The Conservative party wants to reform and modernize the Senate, which we’re going to do,” said Smith.

“It’s early in the game. I guess (Trudeau) started a new game. We’ll see what happens. It’s the first minutes of the game.”

– with files from The Canadian Press