Who knew Canadians cared so much about the Senate? Congratulate an old friend on his appointment to the Upper House, as I did to veteran broadcaster and newly named Senator Charles Adler, and you unleash a volley of cheers — and a torrent of vitriol. The most recurrent slurs were “Liberal” and “hypocrite,” referencing Adler’s trenchant criticism of the Conservatives, anti-vaxxers, and the institution he is now joining. The implication is that appointees must curry favour with the prime minister, and that if you say a bad word about the Red Chamber, you shouldn’t accept an appointment there.