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Mark Carney, candidate for the Liberal party leadership, is shown here on February 10, 2025. Columnist Gregory Mason describes some of the weaknesses in Canada's political guardrails. For instance, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has appointed nearly all current senators, making a favourable upper house for whoever wins the Liberal leadership and becomes the next prime minister. On the other hand, the senate would likely stand in opposition to Conservative Pierre Poilievre's plans if he is elected prime minister in the next election. (John Woods/Winnipeg Free Press file)