Maintaining democracy

Dear Editor,

Amidst two world wars, Canada’s Parliament did not suspend. Government accountability and parliamentary democracy were maintained.

As Canada navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that this tradition is preserved so the Opposition can scrutinize the government’s actions, and elected government officials are held accountable. This includes ensuring the Opposition has the ability to ask questions in the House of Commons, but also through means such as the preservation of Opposition Days, the ability to request Emergency Debates, debate Private Members Bills, order the publication of government documents, as well as allowing debate and votes on committee reports.

However, on May 26, the NDP and Liberals conspired to suspend those Opposition powers, besides COVID-19 Committee sittings, until Sept. 21. Under the agreement, the Opposition has a measly four hours to debate $150 billion in government spending without amendment, a fact that the Parliamentary Budget Officer has described as, “unfortunate, to say the least.” The presence of a strong Opposition is an asset to democracy, especially amidst a health crisis under a minority government mandate.

In exchange for the unchecked government power, the NDP only received a promise from the Liberal government to begin discussions with provincial premiers over passing paid sick leave legislation in each province. The issue of paid sick leave is under provincial jurisdiction, not federal, meaning that the federal government itself cannot implement sick leave legislation. This is the definition of an empty promise.

While the Liberals and NDP claim that government will maintain accountability, this is false, as they are suspending most parliamentary accountability mechanisms until at least Sept. 21. Even then, they may yet again conspire to keep Parliament in limbo beyond that date.

Canadians must stand together and say “Yes” to democracy – especially during times of crisis.

MP Colin Carrie