New and Notable Titles: A selection of recent publications relating to parliamentary studies prepared with the assistance of the Library of Parliament (November 2019--February 2020).
Bowden, James W.J. "The founders' Senate--and ours." The Dorchester Review 9 (2), Autumn/Winter 2019: 55-65.
* Canada's Upper House was (and is) supposed to be partisan ... history and precedent are firmly on Scheer's side: the Senate of the Dominion of Canada and its direct predecessor, the Legislative Council of the Province of Canada, always operated as partisan chambers. The Senate of Canada should remain partisan; however, Prime Ministers should, from time to time, nominate Senators to the Opposition benches [in] order to maintain balance and hew to the original compromise upon Confederation.
Hazell, Robert. "Can Boris Johnson simply repeal the Fixed-term Parliaments Act?" The Constitution Unit blog, February 5, 2020: 4p.
* The Conservative manifesto pledged to repeal the Fixed-term Parliaments Act, but was silent about what, if anything, would replace it. The author argues that it is not enough to simply repeal the Act; new legislation will have to be drafted, parliamentary scrutiny will have to take place, and the options for reform should be properly considered.
Hoyle, Lindsay. "Emerging security issues for parliamentarians and the impact on democracy." The Parliamentarian 3, 2019: 222-23.
* The Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Commons examines increasing security issues in Parliament.
Inter-Parliamentary Union. "Guidelines for the elimination of sexism, harassment and violence against women in parliament." 2019: 67p.
* These guidelines offer advice and practical information for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff on how to transform parliaments into gender-sensitive environments free from sexism and abuse.
Lilly, Alice. "Moving the Lords north would have far-reaching implications." Institute for Government blog, January 20, 2020: 2p.
* This spring, the government is planning to launch a review into the Constitution. It will assess the workings of the courts and Parliament, with ministers reportedly contemplating a permanent move for the House of Lords--away from Westminster and to a city in the north or Midlands, such as York or Birmingham.
Maddox, Bronwen. "Moving the Lords could be an inspired gesture of the government's commitment to the regions." Institute for Government blog, January 20, 2020: 2p.
* While obstacles to relocating the House of Lords are not insuperable, the author argues that who sits in the Upper House matters more than where they meet.
Mallard, Trevor. "Fit-for-purpose Parliament: Reviewing and enhancing...
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