compromised democracy

The end of 2009, meant another prorogued government for Canadians. The second in just over a year, by the same minority government, and the first time ever in Canadian history that the same government has done it twice in its term. I am shocked, angered, frustrated and disappointed about this development. Although sadly, I am not very suprised.

As I understand it, proroguing the government, means that the Members of Parliament will not return to work until March 3rd. It also means that all of the 30 or so pieces of legislation that been scheduled to be voted on will be cancelled, and have to be resubmitted. Additionally, two other interesting things happen - the committee which was due to address concerns of abuse of Afghani prisoners will not continue to meet, and during the break, the Harper government has said that it will fill 5 more senate positions effectively making it easier for their party to pass legislation.

The statement issued by the PMO's office said that the proroguing would allow the government to prepare the budget. In an economic downturn there is no doubt that fiscal responsibility is important. But what about the other responsibilities? Did they really have to suspend all other work to ensure that the budget gets done? I don't think proroguing was the only way to allow more time for budget preparation. Using the budget as the reason and the motivation for the proroguing also implies that all the other work being done in the House and Senate, was not nearly as important as what Harper and the Conservatives wanted. What about discussion? What about collaborating with other house members to arrive at a solution that would not totally disregard legislation that was in progress, that would create alliances, instead of drawing lines?

And what about the budget anyway? If the budget becomes the main topic upon return in March, and it benefits Canadians economically, or appears to.... will people forgive? Will people even remember what happened? Will they still care? Will they think about the implications that proroguing has had and still be critical? I'm not so sure. I fear that social memory is very short. This year, I think it will be particularly short with the olympics as the primary focus through most of February. More than anything, this move stops discussion, of any kind. There is no debate, there is no movement, the country waits until March 3rd. Maybe I am an idealist, but I thought debate was the heart of democracy. Taking away the discussion on important topics like the Afghan detainee issue and legislation in progress means that opinions, as well as criticisms can not be given.

Perhaps the strategy Harper is using is one which he hopes will force an election. We really can't afford an election right now. Besides that, the other parties are not in a position to take the leadership. A coalition government would probably be a short run. I don't think any of the parties can push through a majority government right now. I think we need some new leadership, in all of the parties. It almost feels like we are in a leadership limbo as a country. It's been a long time since we have been infused with fresh thinking, new ideas and a leader with passion and charisma like Trudeau. We need some change.

As for the proroguing... I think we have to start to think about the things that are not being said. What are the possible reasons for this move by the government that are not being offered up. There is more to this than just the budget. What reasons are not being given? What other benefits might a suspended session offer the sitting government? Does this give Harper more latitude to do things during these two months without being noticed? And if so, what? Are there pieces of legislation on the table that the government did not want passed? How could a delay benefit the governments position on an issue? And what about the timing of the announcement? A few days after Christmas and before New Years. A time when people are on vacation, still in their sugar and turkey comas from the holidays. It feels like the timing was strategic. The government was probably counting on the fact that people were likely not paying attention.

As someone who participates in democracy, whose concerned about how our country works and what decisions our politicians make, I am frustrated. On one side, my frustration stems from watching the democratic process get continually compromised at the whims of a leader who seems to me to be playing political games as a means to give his party the upper hand. I know politics is about strategy. I would also hope it is about compromise, collaboration and making positive strides towards what is in the best public good. I have to ask whose agenda and whose benefit does proroguing ultimately serve? My answer would be the conservative government. The answer should be, the people.

The second point of my frustration is apathy. Why are more people not talking about this? Why are more people not upset? Are Canadians really this politically disengaged? But it is my hope that we are engaged. I hope we do care. As much as debate is at the core of democracy amongst politicians, our elected officials, I think its also integral among the people. If we cannot talk about these things, we cannot contribute our opinions, we cannot participate in the process. Participation is at the core of democracy. If we are are fortunate to live in a democratic country, where we have a voice that truly comes without fear of persecution, do we not also have an obligation to participate in that democracy? I feel we do.

Participation begins with understanding, taking an opinion, but it continues with how you use that knowledge. Each individual has power, the point is how we apply our influence. Your voice matters. Your opinion is important. Your ideas are valuable and you have a right to share them. You also have a right to question the things you do not understand. A good place to start might be with your local MP's office. They are all accessible, and it is there job to represent you. It is your job to tell them how.

If you know who your MP is, you can get their contact info here:
http://webinfo.parl.gc.ca/MembersOfParliament/MainMPsCompleteList.aspx?TimePeriod=Current&Language=E

If you are not sure, you can check this site by entering your postal code. It will tell you who your local MP is: http://www2.parl.gc.ca/Parlinfo/Compilations/HouseOfCommons/MemberByPostalCode.aspx?Menu=HOC

Ok. I am jumping off the soapbox now.
If you made it this far into my rant, thanks for taking the time to hear me out.