The premiers of Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia are upset with the Senate, expressing frustration Friday that a national crime bill has stalled.

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer said much the same only a day earlier.

The western leaders were hoping to see new sentencing provisions for convicted criminals enacted by Parliament.

The legislation, approved by the House of Commons but held up in the Senate, would end the practice of granting criminals two-for-one credit for months or years spent in pretrial custody. Liberal Senators watered-down the bill and Conservative senators are delaying votes on the changes.

That prompted the premiers to issue a joint news release Friday. The theme was support for the original bill and annoyance with the Senate.

“Our provinces all agree that eliminating the two-for-one credit would help our provinces fight organized crime and keep our communities safe,” Saskatchewan's Brad Wall said.

“Albertans expect a system that represents their values and instills confidence,” that province's premier, Ed Stelmach, added. “Double credit for time served doesn't work for Alberta."

Manipulation alleged

A similar observation was made by B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell.

“Criminals should not be able to manipulate the justice system to their advantage by getting extra credit for time in remand,” Campbell said. “The amendments proposed by this unelected Senate water down the strength of Bill C-25."

Wall added that the whole episode has left him wondering about the future of Senate reform.

"It is hard to conceive of a way in which the Senate can be reformed effectively," Wall told reporters on Friday.

Wall said if changing the Senate is not realistic, then abolishing it should be considered.

"If a constitutional amendment's not possible," Wall said, "then other alternatives — like not having a Senate — I think have to be front and centre."

Doer, in one of his last comments as Premier, said the Senate should be abolished.

Doer made his comments during his final appearance in question period in the Manitoba legislature Thursday.