The Senate is slightly higher because there are still several veterans from World War II and the House of Commons, somewhat lower. Even if the Canadian federal legislator overcomes his constituents' lack of interest and his or her own probable inexperience, few opportunities are available to have an impact on defence issues. In Canada's Westminster-based parliamentary system, the executive and the legislative are fused. And the executive has an arsenal of carrots and sticks on offer to its members for good or bad behaviour such cabinet positions, memberships on committees and committee chairmanships. It is difficult for MP's to stand up to their leadership, especially if they have political ambitions, although Senators, because they are appointed and serve until their 75th birthday, are relatively fireproof from the executive.
Few opportunities arise for a legislator to have an impact on defence matters through legislation.
Other than budget appropriations, legislation on defence is extremely stable. National Defence is covered by the National Defence Act and the general acts governing the structure and operations of government . These Acts do not need passing or amending on a regular basis. The defence budget comes annually before Parliament, and the House of Commons Standing Committee on National Defence and Veterans Affairs, but the reality is that the budget is a matter of confidence in the government, so the government will only accept the most minor changes once it has been presented. Viewed from the Senate, the House committee appears to act on the rational calculation that close examination is not worth the effort.