Jan
10
By V. Adams
The fact that Prime Minister Stephen Harper has prorogued Parliament twice in the past calendar year, either to escape public scrutiny or to take a long-winter's nap in search of inspiration, begs the question, "What is the role of government, if Parliament can be suspended at the whim of the party leader in power?"
If Parliament can be dismissed for three months, why not longer, particularly if politicians from all parties can collect their paychecks without having to pass go, can put their hobnobbing expenses incurred at Olympic Winter Games on the public tab, and can not be held accountable to those who elected them?
If the national government can be suspended on a flimsy excuse, are provincial and local governments likely to follow suit whenever they run into an obstacle, can't cover up a debacle, or simply get tired of dialogue and debate to address and resolve matters of public interest?
If employees decided not to show up to work for three months, citing a need to recalibrate their personal agenda, prepare a new family budget and devise an effective economic action plan for the coming year while at the same time announcing that they'll be attending high-profile sporting events charged to their employer's expense account, they would be shown the door faster than you can shake a hockey stick. It is safe to say that the entire economy would likely grind to a halt if citizens followed the example set by our federal politicians.
Canadian citizens who value democracy are outraged at the arrogance and indifference of politicians from all parties who so easily have walked away from their commitment to serve the public whom they represent. When citizens exercise their vote in a democracy and elect their representatives, the least they can expect from those who are paid from the public purse is to show up to work like everyone else, unless they are infirm or incapable of doing their jobs.
Frankly, if those who have been elected by the people of Canada think that "peace, order and good government" are no longer necessary, then perhaps they should all resign and let ordinary Canadians who care about these matters take up the task.
Thanks for the insight into parliamentary proroguing.
Why not demand that all Members of Parliament stand in a queu and submit an EI claim for paid time off from work. Why not have them wait in line to see if their applications are approved, rather than handing them a paycheque from the public treasury?
Fortunately, our economy won't grind to a halt if politicians are not in Ottawa calling each other names. In fact, it would probably run more smoothly.