In an effort to repair the damaged reputation of the Senate following the expenses scandal, about 30 members of the upper chamber are meeting this week to discuss modernization.
On the table are several proposed changes, such as televising chamber proceedings, electronic voting and how to deal with its partisan culture.
Despite the talk of change and transparency, cameras were not allowed into Monday's closed-door meeting and key figures from the Senate's leadership were absent.
The talks are scheduled to continue for the next three days.
Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau has promised to create an advisory panel on appointments to cleanse some of the partisanship from the upper chamber, but the Conservative-controlled Senate could create roadblocks to slow legislation, force amendments or give their own private member bills priority.
One Conservator senator, who spoke to The Canadian Press on the condition of anonymity last week, said that conduct will be civil, but Tories likely won't readily support Liberal legislation.
"I don't have any responsibility to pass Liberal legislation," the senator said.
"We're going to deal with them just like they dealt with us when they were the majority."
It’s also uncertain how much support Trudeau may have from the Liberal senators. Last January, in an effort to lessen partisanship, he made all 32 members .
There are currently 22 vacant seats in the upper chamber; however that number is set to rise to 26 by the end of 2016 after the impending retirement of two Liberal and two Conservatives senators.
With files from The Canadian Press
