A major problem when supporting a populist democracy is the understanding that the average common voter is too apathetic and too ignorant to truly understand the important issues and make intelligent choices. History supports this statement.

The Senate was to promote intelligent oversight of the activities of the House of Commoners.  Unfortunately the Senate continues to be stacked with members valuable to their party's fund raising rather than their sober thought on behalf of Canada. 

Power corrupts. Abolishing the Senate, however, would allow any Prime Minister a virtual dictatorship, especially in a majority government.

An elected Senate with limited terms of service, and reformed mandate and  rules of engagement would be one way to promote a truer democracy and hold the senators accountable to the public. There are many models for how senators may be elected.... a Federation of Regions is one such suggestion.