The recent decision by Stephen Harper to prorogue Parliament marks the fourth time he has shut down Parliament and derailed the nation’s business. In September of 2007, September of 2008, December of 2008, and again in December of 2009, Stephen Harper has prevented Parliamentarians from doing their jobs. Combined, this Conservative government has left Canadians without a functioning Parliament for a grand total of 148 days in just four years in office.
Proroguing Parliament is an attempt to eliminate tools used to hold Government to account. The Conservative government intentionally shut down Question Period, Parliamentary committees, order paper questions and media scrutiny so the government’s cover up on Afghan detainee torture and failure in Copenhagen cannot be publicly scrutinized.
As a former Liberal Party Critic for Democratic Reform, I believe strongly in the importance of defending and strengthening Canada’s democracy. More than 40% of Canadian voters stayed home in the last election, suggesting an urgent need to re-build trust in parliamentary representatives, processes and institutions. Sadly Stephen Harper’s repeated exploitation of his position and power further erodes Canadians’ trust in our democracy. That’s a shame for Canadians, and for people in countries around the world who have previously looked to Canada as a model to emulate.
Harper prorogued Parliament for the fourth time, underestimating the will of the Canadian public to ensure scrutiny of the government by a sitting House of Commons. His minister dismissed concerns: “only the chattering classes are paying any attention.”
Please let Mr. Harper and his government know that the prorogation of Parliament is indeed on your radar, and that it is unacceptable and unCanadian:
SIGN my petition
ORGANIZE your friends, families and neighbours to sign the petition
DISCUSS and learn about prorogation at Prorogation and Democracy in Canada
Date: Thursday, January 21
Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Location: Café Muse – 2305 W. 41st Ave
ATTEND the rally
Date: Saturday, January 23rd
Time: 1:00 pm local time
Location: Vancouver Art Gallery, March to Victory Square
*Please feel free to send this letter to your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues