The federal government will introduce a bill this fall that would allow Canadian voters to directly elect senators, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said Thursday.

Harper made the comments as he became the first prime minister to ever appear before a Senate committee.

He came to the committee  to push for passage of another Senate-related bill, which would set term limits for senators.

That bill, which was introduced last spring, would set eight-year term limits for senators, who are currently appointed by the government of the day, and can serve until they are 75 years old.

"The government isn't looking for another report. We are seeking action," Harper said.

"The Senate must change and we intend to make it happen."

Harper said he's flexible on details of the bill, saying the term limits could range from six to nine years. 

However, he added that his Conservative government is seeking limits that are not based on the "antiquated criteria of age."

Accountability Act remains at issue

The Senate legislation is part of Harper's government reform package, which also includes the proposed Accountability Act.

Harper has criticized the Liberal-dominated Senate amid speculation that it may block or hold up passing that act. The Conservatives have threatened to call an election if the upper chamber stalls passage of the bill.

But Liberal senators have said they will not be bullied by the Tory government into making a hasty review.

The legislation creates conflict-of-interest rules, imposes restrictions on election financing and outlines measures on administrative transparency, oversight and accountability.

It would create:

• A new ethics commissioner who would oversee MPs and senators.
• A ban on contingency fees for lobbyists who win federal contracts.
• A $1,000 reward for public servants who blow the whistle on government wrongdoing.

Thursday's meeting of the Senate committee on Senate reform is still in session.

With files from the Canadian Press