Harper names 18 new Senators

Harper named 18 new senators in one fell swoop. This is contrary to his pledge to hire no new Senators. A rather significant change. Zero, every available seat; I could see how he could get those mixed up. Pundits have argued that he his trying to gain power before a likely change of regime. Harper, on the other hand, has said it is to help jam Senate reform legislation through the Upper House to make it an elected body with mere eight year terms (opposed to the current 45 years). Many of the people he has chosen are clearly his supporters. Inside members of the Conservative Cadre, successful Conservative fund raisers and people closely associate with Harper specifically.
I hope that Senate reform is the reason. I would hate to think Harper is trying to solidify his power and influence for long after he retires from politics.
I would like to see the Senate elected by a proportional representative system. Each province would be given their quota of seats and by the popular vote in the province assign the proportionate amount of seats to each party.
I will give Harper the benefit of the doubt and say it is to push through the reform measures. Though, appointing 18 new Senators to push through democratic reform does seem a little oxymoronic.