I’m upset. Actually, it’s more than that. I’m angry, disappointed, embarrassed. And I think you should be too.
For the second time since he was elected, Stephen Harper has decided to prorogue Parliament. What is the reason behind this two-month suspension? The answer depends on who you ask.
The Tories say they are taking some time to reorganize their thoughts, create a strategy to balance the budget and decide how best to manage the economy as Canada climbs out of the recession. A Harper spokesperson also said that the decision will allow the government to speak with Canadians about the economy.
Wait a minute. Should those Canadians not include our Members of Parliament- the men and women we elect to represent our voices and act on our behalf? They (and consequently we) will not get their say because they have been excused from work during the very time they are meant to be debating the budget.
Parliament has been called back for the Speech from the Throne on March 3. How much can our MPs achieve in one day before the budget is tabled on March 4?
The popular opinion, however, is that Harper is avoiding the looming questions surrounding tortured Afghan detainees. While the Conservatives maintain this is not true, it is convenient that the closing of Parliament puts a screeching halt to the detainee inquiry. And with the Military Police Complaints Commission without a commissioner, they too are silenced.
At the same time that elected leaders are taking their vacation, our soldiers are in Afghanistan fighting a war in the name of democracy. Some are even dying in the name of democracy. Why?
Canada’s voter turnout in the 2008 federal election saw roughly 58 per cent of the population opt not to cast their ballot, yet there we are in another country trying to show them how it’s done. We are setting an excellent example considering our country currently has no Parliament.
Moreover, why do Canadians continue to support a man who thinks it is acceptable to take a two-month holiday without a justifiable explanation? This is a man who shouted “accountability” and “transparency” from the rooftops and has proceeded to provide neither.
According to the results of an Angus Reid poll, as of Jan. 13, 61 per cent of Canadians who participated disagree with Harper’s decision to prorogue Parliament.
Another Angus Reid poll shows Harper’s approval ratings are down to 28 per cent. Jack Layton was not far behind with 26 per cent and Official Opposition leader Michael Ignatieff trailed with 17 per cent.
But does that mean anything will change? If an election is called for the third time in just over four years will the people’s dissatisfaction be enough to push the Conservatives out of their leadership position?
I truly don’t believe any of our parties are currently ready to lead this country. But maybe that is our fault. Maybe the apathetic attitude many Canadians have toward politics has led us to this point. Maybe we are not putting enough pressure on our political leaders to stand up for the democratic process, to make good on their promises and to be accountable to their constituents.
Maybe we shouldn't have to pay our taxes for the two months we don’t have a government.
Or maybe we could shut down all of our institutions, take those tax dollars and treat ourselves to extended vacations. It sounds absurd to even suggest such a thing because it is absurd. So why would we let our government get away with it?
A recent article published in The Economist slammed Harper for suspending Parliament. The piece was blunt and perhaps a bit harsh, but I feel that it hit the bottom line in this matter far better than I could:
“The danger in allowing the prime minister to end discussion any time he chooses is that it makes Parliament accountable to him rather than the other way around.”

Angela Saieva