Bert Brown and Ted Morton, both nominated by the Reform Party, won the election, but were not appointed to the Senate before their terms expired.

[4] Prime Minister Brian Mulroney had criticized the electoral process, although he nonetheless made a public announcement agreeing to advise Governor General Ray Hnatyshyn to appoint Waters to the Canadian Senate on June 11, 1990.

[10] Alberta Premier Ralph Klein penned an open letter to Chrétien criticizing the appointment and calling for Senate reform.

[12] The Reform Party applied to the Federal Court of Canada for an interlocutory injunction on the appointment until after the Senate nominee election had taken place.

Justice Donna McGillis dismissed the injunction, noting the Constitution provides the Governor General, on the advice of the Prime Minister, the absolute authority to appoint senators.