[familyop]

"Yours is more complex, and arguably more democratic."

...not in at least one part of the Government up there (lawmaking, IIRC). Canadian senators are essentially appointed by their Prime Minister, if I read correctly on that (corrections welcome again). And Trudeau started that policy, IIRC.

[Dog Gone]

I'm no expert on Canadian law, but I think the Senate is largely honorary and has little power.

[UpHereEh]

Correct again, but I'll add that in addition to appointing senators, the governing party also appoints judges to the supreme court, and the bureaucracy including the CRTC and CBC. They run parliment, the courts and the media.