Canadian PM still intent on senate reform

OTTAWA, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is using the suspension of Parliament to appoint five new senators to give his Conservative party a majority.

Last week, Harper put off the resumption of Parliament from Jan. 25 to March 3, saying his minority government needed time to set out an economic recovery plan for the next budget.

Meanwhile, Conservative Senate Leader Marjory LeBreton told The Globe and Mail there's more going on than economic planning.

"Senate reform will definitely be back as part of the government agenda," Le Breton said.

Various sources told the Globe during the suspension Harper intends to fill five vacant senate seats in the 105-seat chamber, which would give Conservatives 51 to the Liberals' 49. There are five independents, two with a track record of conservative leanings.

The report said that would help advance Harper's intention to begin electing senators and to set eight-year term limits. Senators are now appointed and serve until they are 75.

Harper has tried to get reform passed several times since being elected in 2006, but has been blocked each time by the Liberal senate majority, the report said.