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The 180

Senators who happen to be Liberals to vote against C-51

The 180's Rogue Parliamentarians convene to talk about whether the senators who used to be part of the Liberal Party caucus are voting for political reasons or with their consciences when opposing Bill C-51.
CBC News ·
A man wearing a suit, surrounded by other people, speaks to people holding microphones.
James Cowan, flanked by other newly declared independent senators, speaks following Liberal leader leader Justin Trudeau's announcement to remove senators from the caucus, in Ottawa on Wednesday January 29, 2014. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)

Liberal-appointed senators, lead by James Cowan say they'll vote against Bill C-51 when it reaches the Red Chamber. That position would be counter to that of the Liberal Party, which voted to support the Conservatives' so-called "anti-terror" bill in the House.

The senators still call themselves "Liberals," even though Liberal leader Justin Trudeau said they would no longer be party of his caucus.

So is this a sign of someone seeking a little comeuppance, or a sign that the move actually worked to strengthen Senate independence?

The 180's Rogue Parliament reconvened to debate the topic, with former Members of Parliament Anne McLennan (Liberal), Val Meredith (Reform, Canadian Alliance, Conservative), and Lorne Nystrom (New Democratic Party).

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