Our duty: answer back to those who do not care

It is a citizen’s duty to answer back to those who do not care about whether Parliament is sitting or not and to those who say “no big deal”.

First: Yes the government is working, but Parliament as an assembly, our assembly, is not. Let’s not mix up executive and legislative powers, even if Ministers do wear both hats.

- Second, when Parliament does not sit, the government is less accountable. This pro-rogue-ation really calls for a little 101 on our British parliamentary system and democracy  which I hope are still taught in school. The first and foremost ExistenZia of Parliament, our MPs, is to represent us, you and I, the PEOPLE(S) of CANADA. MPs make laws and decisions ON OUR BEHALF. So if they are not there, tough luck for us. Second, the PM and his government are accountable BEFORE PARLIAMENT, i.e. before us Canadians. If Parliament does not sit, the PM does not have to report back and answer questions, and opposition is loosing opportunities to ask the government to be transparent and accountable of actions taken and money spent, again, on our behalf. Problem.

- Third, another fundamental concern with this prorogation is that it is an abuse of power.  Some say what’s the big deal, this is temporary and the MPs will come back. Sure they will, but think about it for a second:  Of all the reasons invoked by the Prime Minister for justifying the prorogation – and there were several, launched in despair in the face of critics- not one is passing the test of robustness and legitimacy. The most ridiculous and stupid excuse from Harper was  something like “parliament creates market instability so in these times of crisis, it is better this way”. This is not only stupid, it is actually worrisome and horrifying to hear such a clear and dangerous attack on our democracy. Our economy is important, yes, but let’s not forget the economy needs a healthy democracy to be able to work and pick up from the recession.

- Fourth: the” theater”, the “circus”, some are criticizing we have been witnessing in Parliamentary debates and question periods is because we have elected a minority government. So hello, get on with it. Let’s understand this. It is part of the game of having elected a minority government. Arrivez en ville and see British Parliamentary system 101, which also by the way allows for something called coalitions to be formed. It is quite important that we do all we can to “educate” those who do not know much about Parliament, to talk to the many who have lost trust and who are tempted by “populist” thinking (such as “our parliament is a circus” and “it does not change anything if MPs are not there”).  These ideas are dangerous because they are eroding our governance system of democratic representation. Let’s remind ourselves that millions in this world do not have free elections and debates.

-Fifth: as the Economist put it, luge or legislature, Canadians have chosen. Canada has won the gold for its model legislature in the past, while rogue states prefer luge (du pain et des jeux). In all cases, Mr. Harper is on a slippery slope.

- Bottomline: Canadians need a good government. Frankly, anything but Harper and his creationist Cons. Let’s get them OUT NOW.