Monday, January 25, 2010

News & op-ed round-up

More reaction to the prorogation and movement to oppose it continues to get media coverage.

Murray Dobbin - rabble.ca - The movement for Canadian democracy
A genuine movement with broadly popular goals of democratic reforms, including new legislation putting restrictions on the use of prorogation, a proportional representation electoral system, and increased checks and balances on the currently unfettered executive power, could form the basis of a rewriting of the Canadian political system.
The signals are loud and clear that the Conservatives will define a fiscal restraint agenda, with an attack on social spending and public sector jobs and wages... Our opposition leaders have about six weeks to change the story line and challenge expectations of how the next Parliament will open. Perhaps by closing it down over the very issue that is intended to divide and conquer us again.
Chantal Hébert - T.O. Star - Proroguing pattern now is set

There is a foolproof way to make the prorogation and dissolution powers of the governor general contingent on the will of the Commons, but it would involve amending the Constitution and such an amendment would require the unanimous backing of the provinces. So far, no party has advocated going down that route.

Roy MacGregor - G&M - Passion over prorogation pales next to political apathy

“Why,” asks one, “can't we have a coalition of men and women who believe in something and not just criticize everything?” A fair question. (re:Liberal Party)

Toronto Star editorial - Questions for proroguing PM
But nowhere is it written that prorogation means protection from the questions Canadians want answered. So herewith the questions we think Harper should be answering were Parliament sitting today:
Norma Greenaway - Opposition seeks to limit Harper’s prorogation powers

New Democrats posed in front of the closed Commons doors, singing O Canada in English as they waited for Mr. Layton to appear. Liberal MPs silently stood in front of doors aides asked Commons guards to open for the occasion, exposing the empty seats in what is known as the ‘green chamber.'

Greg Weston Prorogation should be deleted

A prime minister who can’t stand the heat should get out of the House, and call an election

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