Stephen Harper, a champion of an elected senate, has quietly appointed three Conservatives—Josee Verner, Larry Smith and Fabian Manning—who were just rejected by voters

“Our Government’s top priority remains the economy. As Canada emerges from the global economic recession, we will continue to help create jobs and growth,” said the Prime Minister. “We will continue focusing our efforts on getting tough on crime, in order to make our streets and communities safer.”

“I look forward to working with each towards a strong economic recovery and safer communities across the country … Our Government will continue to push for a more democratic, accountable and effective Senate,” concluded the Prime Minister.

Josee Verner, the former minister of intergovernmental affairs, was defeated in Louis-Saint-Laurent. Mr. Manning, a former Conservative MP, was defeated in 2008, appointed to the Senate in 2009, resigned to run in this year’s election and then defeated again in Avalon. Mr. Smith was appointed to the Senate in 2010, resigned to run in this year’s election and finished third in Lac-Saint-Louis.