The Senate should strive to address more substantive issues, Opposition Senator Rev. Leonard Santucci said yesterday as the Upper House met in a very brief session, which had no debate on new legislation.

Sen. Santucci said there are a number of important issues before the country for which the country is looking to Government for leadership and that he hoped the Senate would offer that leadership in upcoming sessions.

In response to Rev. Santucci comments, Government Senate Leader, Lt. Col. David Burch pointed out that a great deal of Government initiatives will be coming forward this summer which may drag the Upper House past its normal date of breaking for the summer.

"I expect no criticism from the other side when conducting the people's business continues into August," Sen. Burch said.

However, Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes said he would prefer that the chamber be busy all the time rather than stretching its business into August.

"If we're coming here for one hour, that doesn't impress anyone too much," said Sen. Hughes.