OTTAWA - The federal government says it's encouraged by Saskatchewan's move to hold Senate elections.
The Saskatchewan Party government has said it will likely introduce draft legislation this fall to become the second province after Alberta to elect Senate candidates.
Federal government House leader Peter Van Loan says Saskatchewan's plan echoes Ottawa's aim to hold national consultations on reforming the Senate.
He also says the move demonstrates a growing desire among Canadians to make the upper chamber more democratic.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper last year appointed Bert Brown from Alberta to fill a Senate vacancy.
Brown had long been a "senator-in-waiting'' after being elected by Albertans as someone they wanted to see in the Senate.
