In theory the Canadian Senate is on equal terms with the Commons and they must approve all legislation but in practice they hardly ever refuse or delay passing something, people wouldn’t stand for it.
When Harper appointed a Montreal (where he won no seats) Conservative to the Senate and put him in the cabinet (usually only the government party leader in the Senate gets in) everyone hated it.
Conservatives have long wanted an elected Senate. Oddly enough I’d probably take the NPD (commie) position, just get rid of it.
An elected and therefore legitimately empowered upper house would be a major change for them, or the UK.
Unless Canada wants to go to an American style system, having a rubber-stamp Senate is superfluous.
They need to slap some sense out of their American counterparts (actually, I think the number of American conservatives who want politicians to appoint our Senators is a very small minority, but they're so outspoken about this goofy idea that the public is going to think all conservatives favor professional politicians appointing Senators)
Perhaps Harper's Tories could give them a tour of the Canadian Senate and they could see first hand what happens when you trust politicians and big government to determine its members. This idea has failed in every country it's been tried (including the US) but they cling to their fantasy that it will work this time.