Harper to prorogue parliament AGAIN?

Jerry J. Fortin · December 31, 2009

When Harper prorogued Parliament last year, it was precisely to respond to the will of the people, that is to prevent a coalition government of Liberals, the Bloc and the NDP. Canadians were overwhelmingly opposed to such a coalition. To his credit, Ignatieff read the tea leaves and when he became Liberal leader, he distanced himself from the mechanism which would have probably put him in the Prime Minister's chair.

Sure, that prorogation kept the Conservatives in government but that was the will of the people.

The only true definition of the will of the people, is that of the majority of elected members within the House of Commons. So that can be partisan or not with a simple 50% plus one formula. Had Iggy decided to go the coalition route and achieved the support of the NDP and the Bloc in so doing that would have been an expression of the will of the people. As it currently stands, Harper has administrative control at his disposal, but not the expressed will of the people by the definition accepted in Canadian political dogma.

bloodyminded · December 31, 2009

The only true definition of the will of the people, is that of the majority of elected members within the House of Commons. So that can be partisan or not with a simple 50% plus one formula. Had Iggy decided to go the coalition route and achieved the support of the NDP and the Bloc in so doing that would have been an expression of the will of the people. As it currently stands, Harper has administrative control at his disposal, but not the expressed will of the people by the definition accepted in Canadian political dogma.

And that's a very nice catch, Mr. Fortin. Well said.

ironstone · December 31, 2009

Gee, it's interesting that there are still no replies to Ironstone's post about Trudeau proroguing Parliament 4 times in 4 years!

Same old, same old. Some folks are just so partisan. The other guy is a devil but their guy is a saint, even if he does the same things.

This is one of the reasons why I gave up on the left when I was a teenager.

Often,when people are confronted with something that reflects poorly on their particular viewpoint,they choose to ignore "the inconvenient truth".

I'll write it again:

Apparently,Trudeau prorogued parliament 4 times in 4 years.For those keeping score,Trudeau 4,Harper 2.

Why no comment from the left?

Jerry J. Fortin · December 31, 2009

Often,when people are confronted with something that reflects poorly on their particular viewpoint,they choose to ignore "the inconvenient truth".

I'll write it again:

Apparently,Trudeau prorogued parliament 4 times in 4 years.For those keeping score,Trudeau 4,Harper 2.

Why no comment from the left?

I will venture a comment. They, both of them were wrong. Harper less wrong by half but still wrong.

DrGreenthumb · December 31, 2009

Canadians were overwhelmingly opposed to such a coalition.

You mean Conservatives were overwhelmingly opposed to such a coalition.

Alta4ever · December 31, 2009

You mean Conservatives were overwhelmingly opposed to such a coalition.

The polling last year indicates that you are wong about this.

waldo · December 31, 2009

clearly... butterball Harper likes his perogys!

Question: In what other democracy is it permissible for the government of the day to hide from the legislature for months at a time? To ignore explicit parliamentary votes demanding the production of documents? To stonewall independent inquiries? Perhaps the rules allow it elsewhere, but is it the practice? Does convention not still forbid it? Is it not viewed in other countries as dictatorial behaviour, and therefore, you know … not done?

so much for that urgent get tough on crime call! Bills dead? What bills? Oh..... these bills!

1) C-6 – An Act respecting the safety of consumer products Passed 3rd reading in the House of Commons
2) C-8 – An Act respecting family homes situated on First Nation reserves and matrimonial interests or rights in or to structures and lands situated on those reserves Debated at 2nd reading
3) C-13 – An Act to amend the Canada Grain Act, chapter 22 of the Statutes of Canada, 1998 and chapter 25 of the Statutes of Canada, 2004 Debated at 2nd reading
4) C-15 – An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts Passed 3rd reading
5) C-19 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (investigative hearing and recognizance with conditions) Debated at 2nd reading
6) C-20 – An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident Reported back from Committee with amendments
7) C-23 – An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Colombia, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Republic of Colombia and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Colombia Debated at 2nd reading
8) C-26 — An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime) Passed 3rd reading
9) C-27 — An Act to promote the efficiency and adaptability of the Canadian economy by regulating certain activities that discourage reliance on electronic means of carrying out commercial activities, and to amend the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act, the Competition Act, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and the Telecommunications Act Passed 3rd reading
10) C-30 – An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts Debated at 2nd reading
11) C-31 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act Referred to Legislative Committee
12) C-34 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts Reported back from Committee with amendments
13) C-35 – An Act to deter terrorism, and to amend the State Immunity Act Debated at 2nd reading
14) C-36 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code Passed 3rd reading
15) C-37 – An Act to amend the National Capital Act and other Acts Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
16) C-40 – An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act 1st reading
17) C-42 — An Act to amend the Criminal Code Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
18) C-43 — An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and the Criminal Code Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
19) C-44 — An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act Debated at 2nd reading
20) C-45 — An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act 1st reading
21) C-46 — An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Competition Act and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
22) C-47 — An Act regulating telecommunications facilities to support investigations Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
23) C-52 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud) Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
24) C-53 – An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (accelerated parole review) and to make consequential amendments to other Acts 1st reading
25) C-54 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to the National Defence Act 1st reading
26) C-55 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code 1st reading
27) C-57 – An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Debated at 2nd reading
28) C-58 – An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
29) C-59 – An Act to amend the International Transfer of Offenders Act 1st reading
30) C-60 – An Act to implement the Framework Agreement on Integrated Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Operations between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America 1st reading
31) C-61 – An Act to provide for the resumption and continuation of railway operations 1st reading
32) C-63 – An Act to amend the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act and another Act in consequence thereof 1st reading

Harper... cuts and runs... second consecutive December perogy run! ... shame!

ToadBrother · December 31, 2009

Andrew Coyne has a rather amusing editorial on it, that even invokes Charles I, and there are indeed some interesting parallels. It's a pity, though, that modern parliamentarians are, by and large sheep who would never dare defy this sort of thing. There was a day, though, when even kings had to be worried...

http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/12/30/the-short-parliament/

Jerry J. Fortin · December 31, 2009

clearly... butterball Harper likes his perogys!

so much for that urgent get tough on crime call! Bills dead? What bills? Oh..... these bills!

1) C-6 – An Act respecting the safety of consumer products Passed 3rd reading in the House of Commons
2) C-8 – An Act respecting family homes situated on First Nation reserves and matrimonial interests or rights in or to structures and lands situated on those reserves Debated at 2nd reading
3) C-13 – An Act to amend the Canada Grain Act, chapter 22 of the Statutes of Canada, 1998 and chapter 25 of the Statutes of Canada, 2004 Debated at 2nd reading
4) C-15 – An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts Passed 3rd reading
5) C-19 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (investigative hearing and recognizance with conditions) Debated at 2nd reading
6) C-20 – An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident Reported back from Committee with amendments
7) C-23 – An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Colombia, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Republic of Colombia and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Colombia Debated at 2nd reading
8) C-26 — An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime) Passed 3rd reading
9) C-27 — An Act to promote the efficiency and adaptability of the Canadian economy by regulating certain activities that discourage reliance on electronic means of carrying out commercial activities, and to amend the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act, the Competition Act, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and the Telecommunications Act Passed 3rd reading
10) C-30 – An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts Debated at 2nd reading
11) C-31 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act Referred to Legislative Committee
12) C-34 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts Reported back from Committee with amendments
13) C-35 – An Act to deter terrorism, and to amend the State Immunity Act Debated at 2nd reading
14) C-36 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code Passed 3rd reading
15) C-37 – An Act to amend the National Capital Act and other Acts Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
16) C-40 – An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act 1st reading
17) C-42 — An Act to amend the Criminal Code Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
18) C-43 — An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and the Criminal Code Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
19) C-44 — An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act Debated at 2nd reading
20) C-45 — An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act 1st reading
21) C-46 — An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Competition Act and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
22) C-47 — An Act regulating telecommunications facilities to support investigations Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
23) C-52 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud) Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
24) C-53 – An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (accelerated parole review) and to make consequential amendments to other Acts 1st reading
25) C-54 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to the National Defence Act 1st reading
26) C-55 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code 1st reading
27) C-57 – An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Debated at 2nd reading
28) C-58 – An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
29) C-59 – An Act to amend the International Transfer of Offenders Act 1st reading
30) C-60 – An Act to implement the Framework Agreement on Integrated Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Operations between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America 1st reading
31) C-61 – An Act to provide for the resumption and continuation of railway operations 1st reading
32) C-63 – An Act to amend the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act and another Act in consequence thereof 1st reading

Harper... cuts and runs... second consecutive December perogy run! ... shame!

That is an awful lot to throw out the door just to acquire more power and control of legislative matters in the nation. Citizens will have paid hundreds of millions of dollars for the efforts of the House for an entire year to no avail. This from a government who claims they are fiscally conservative.

Alta4ever · December 31, 2009

That is an awful lot to throw out the door just to acquire more power and control of legislative matters in the nation. Citizens will have paid hundreds of millions of dollars for the efforts of the House for an entire year to no avail. This from a government who claims they are fiscally conservative.

It can all be reintroduced fairly simiply, and now won't be gutted by senate and palimentary commitee.

capricorn · December 31, 2009

Prime Minister Stephen Harper suspended Parliament yesterday until March 3, and came in for considerable abuse in return. Liberal MP Ralph Goodale called the move “a shocking insult to democracy.” NDP House Leader Libby Davies labelled the decision a “political scam.”
Already equated to a dictator in the Toronto Star, Mr. Harper was compared in Macleans yesterday to King Charles I, whose confrontation with Parliament cost him his job and ultimately his head. Blogger John Baglow can hardly believe his poor tired left-wing eyes.

Enough. Parliament was due to return on Jan. 25. The Vancouver Olympics open Feb. 12 and run to Feb. 28, preoccupying public attention and sending Ottawa into hibernation. In effect Mr. Harper has effectively cut two extra weeks from the opposition’s anticipated window of public attention. It’s not the end of the world.

Far from being undemocratic, the Prime Minister is seeking to eliminate an artificial log jam in the Senate, where unelected Liberals have been deliberately slowing legislation approved by the Commons. Conservatives will soon match Liberals in Senate seats, but Liberals could continue to block legislation by manipulating committees. Once Parliament returns, the committees can be reconfigured and delayed bills reintroduced and swiftly passed without Senate interference.

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/12/31/kelly-mcparland-harper-goes-rogue-1.aspx

What a delight it will be for Canadians and foreign visitors to enjoy the Olympic Games without the spectacle of Question Period playing in the background. A temporary reprieve from listening to the howls of the opposition parties as they accuse Canada of war crimes, and brand the military leadership and Conservatives as war criminals. And with the experience of Copenhagen, we know the opposition has no qualms of criticizing and embarrassing Canada on the world stage. Indeed, they relish in it. They will think nothing of doing so on our own soil.

I think the GG got it.

capricorn · December 31, 2009

It can all be reintroduced fairly simiply, and now won't be gutted by senate and palimentary commitee.

Well put Alta.

ToadBrother · December 31, 2009

It can all be reintroduced fairly simiply, and now won't be gutted by senate and palimentary commitee.

Yes, heaven forbid that committees have anything to say on bills. Our system of government is such an irritant to those in power.

ToadBrother · December 31, 2009

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/fullcomment/archive/2009/12/31/kelly-mcparland-harper-goes-rogue-1.aspx

What a delight it will be for Canadians and foreign visitors to enjoy the Olympic Games without the spectacle of Question Period playing in the background. A temporary reprieve from listening to the howls of the opposition parties as they accuse Canada of war crimes, and brand the military leadership and Conservatives as war criminals. And with the experience of Copenhagen, we know the opposition has no qualms of criticizing and embarrassing Canada on the world stage. Indeed, they relish in it. They will think nothing of doing so on our own soil.

I think the GG got it.

I have one thing to say about the Olympic games, f**k 'em. Massive wastes of money, and if that's the excuse for proroguing Parliament, then they're worse than an economic disaster and steroidfest.

Jerry J. Fortin · December 31, 2009

I don't think the games have thing one to do with what the government just did. I think it was all about the power and control over the upper sought by Harper. I think that Harper will be held to account for this, there will be a price to pay for it. Yes we all know that those Bills can be reintroduced, but that will take time, time he may not have enough of.

Bryan · December 31, 2009

I don't think the games have thing one to do with what the government just did. I think it was all about the power and control over the upper sought by Harper. I think that Harper will be held to account for this, there will be a price to pay for it. Yes we all know that those Bills can be reintroduced, but that will take time, time he may not have enough of.

That's ridiculous. Clearly the number one reason is to just press the mute button on the screamers in opposition during the Olympics. Their continuous side-show of mock-outrage over faux-scandals is tired, and the country should be allowed to just showcase the positives of Canada while the world is watching.

That it will result in a plurality in the Senate when they return is just a nice bonus... something that was going to happen soon either way.

Alta4ever · December 31, 2009

Yes, heaven forbid that committees have anything to say on bills. Our system of government is such an irritant to those in power.

Yes heaven forbid bills passed by the majority of the house make to law unchanged.

g_bambino · December 31, 2009

When Harper prorogued Parliament last year, it was precisely to respond to the will of the people, that is to prevent a coalition government of Liberals, the Bloc and the NDP.

You're both wrong. The will of the people is expressed in the composition of parliament. The Conservatives presently have more seats than any other party, and they continue to hold the confidence of the House. As such, the Governor General continues to grant Stephen Harper the mandate to govern, and, as long as he hold that commission, Stephen Harper can advise the viceroy to prorogue parliament. If, at any time, the other representatives of the populace want to put their confidence behind someone else, they can. If, at any time, they want to force an election, they can. I wish people would stop trying to base their outrage on personal and bizarre interpretations of our parliamentary system.

waldo · December 31, 2009

clearly... butterball Harper likes his perogys!

Question: In what other democracy is it permissible for the government of the day to hide from the legislature for months at a time? To ignore explicit parliamentary votes demanding the production of documents? To stonewall independent inquiries? Perhaps the rules allow it elsewhere, but is it the practice? Does convention not still forbid it? Is it not viewed in other countries as dictatorial behaviour, and therefore, you know … not done?

so much for that urgent get tough on crime call! Bills dead? What bills? Oh..... these bills!

1) C-6 – An Act respecting the safety of consumer products Passed 3rd reading in the House of Commons
2) C-8 – An Act respecting family homes situated on First Nation reserves and matrimonial interests or rights in or to structures and lands situated on those reserves Debated at 2nd reading
3) C-13 – An Act to amend the Canada Grain Act, chapter 22 of the Statutes of Canada, 1998 and chapter 25 of the Statutes of Canada, 2004 Debated at 2nd reading
4) C-15 – An Act to amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and to make related and consequential amendments to other Acts Passed 3rd reading
5) C-19 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (investigative hearing and recognizance with conditions) Debated at 2nd reading
6) C-20 – An Act respecting civil liability and compensation for damage in case of a nuclear incident Reported back from Committee with amendments
7) C-23 – An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Republic of Colombia, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Republic of Colombia and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Colombia Debated at 2nd reading
8) C-26 — An Act to amend the Criminal Code (auto theft and trafficking in property obtained by crime) Passed 3rd reading
9) C-27 — An Act to promote the efficiency and adaptability of the Canadian economy by regulating certain activities that discourage reliance on electronic means of carrying out commercial activities, and to amend the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission Act, the Competition Act, the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and the Telecommunications Act Passed 3rd reading
10) C-30 – An Act to amend the Parliament of Canada Act and to make consequential amendments to other Acts Debated at 2nd reading
11) C-31 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials Act and the Identification of Criminals Act and to make a consequential amendment to another Act Referred to Legislative Committee
12) C-34 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code and other Acts Reported back from Committee with amendments
13) C-35 – An Act to deter terrorism, and to amend the State Immunity Act Debated at 2nd reading
14) C-36 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code Passed 3rd reading
15) C-37 – An Act to amend the National Capital Act and other Acts Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
16) C-40 – An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act 1st reading
17) C-42 — An Act to amend the Criminal Code Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
18) C-43 — An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act and the Criminal Code Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
19) C-44 — An Act to amend the Canada Post Corporation Act Debated at 2nd reading
20) C-45 — An Act to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act 1st reading
21) C-46 — An Act to amend the Criminal Code, the Competition Act and the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Act Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
22) C-47 — An Act regulating telecommunications facilities to support investigations Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
23) C-52 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code (sentencing for fraud) Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
24) C-53 – An Act to amend the Corrections and Conditional Release Act (accelerated parole review) and to make consequential amendments to other Acts 1st reading
25) C-54 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make consequential amendments to the National Defence Act 1st reading
26) C-55 – An Act to amend the Criminal Code 1st reading
27) C-57 – An Act to implement the Free Trade Agreement between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Agreement on the Environment between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Canada and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan Debated at 2nd reading
28) C-58 – An Act respecting the mandatory reporting of Internet child pornography by persons who provide an Internet service Read 2nd time; referred to Committee
29) C-59 – An Act to amend the International Transfer of Offenders Act 1st reading
30) C-60 – An Act to implement the Framework Agreement on Integrated Cross-Border Maritime Law Enforcement Operations between the Government of Canada and the Government of the United States of America 1st reading
31) C-61 – An Act to provide for the resumption and continuation of railway operations 1st reading
32) C-63 – An Act to amend the First Nations Commercial and Industrial Development Act and another Act in consequence thereof 1st reading

Harper... cuts and runs... second consecutive December perogy run! ... shame!

That is an awful lot to throw out the door just to acquire more power and control of legislative matters in the nation. Citizens will have paid hundreds of millions of dollars for the efforts of the House for an entire year to no avail. This from a government who claims they are fiscally conservative.
It can all be reintroduced fairly simiply, and now won't be gutted by senate and palimentary commitee.
Well put Alta.
Yes, heaven forbid that committees have anything to say on bills. Our system of government is such an irritant to those in power.

you see, Altaboy... caprigranny... your boy Steve doesn't hold that most elusive majority - there happens to be this most annoying irritant that full consensus agreement from the Opposition parties is required to reintroduce each bill, as is... Harper can play King... he can hold the country up as his play thing... however, he is still accountable to the workings of minority government.

g_bambino · December 31, 2009

[H]eaven forbid bills passed by the majority of the house make to law unchanged.

Heaven forbid bills should never have the opportunity to be scrutinised by people less interested in their re-election, yes.

Alta4ever · December 31, 2009

Heaven forbid bills should never have the opportunity to be scrutinised by people less interested in their re-election, yes.

Sorry it is those people interest in being re-elected that are paramou nt o tthe system if they do not follow the will of the people they will be voted out. Those who are unelected have no overisght AND ARE FREE TO FOLLOW THEIR PET PROJECTS TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY.

g_bambino · December 31, 2009

Harper can play King... he can hold the country up as his play thing... however, he is still accountable to the workings of minority government.

Ah; what a refreshingly rational, factual comment. They seem to get rarer and rarer in the morass of partisan, emotive vomit that erupts in threads like this.

Alta4ever · December 31, 2009

you see, Altaboy... caprigranny... your boy Steve doesn't hold that most elusive majority - there happens to be this most annoying irritant that full consensus agreement from the Opposition parties is required to reintroduce each bill, as is... Harper can play King... he can hold the country up as his play thing... however, he is still accountable to the workings of minority government.

yet with all the opportunities the opposition had they did not force an election, they pass the bills in the house only to try to change them in commitee, aways from the eyes of the public. The opposition has been very cowardly this fall.

g_bambino · December 31, 2009

Sorry it is those people interest in being re-elected that are paramou nt o tthe system if they do not follow the will of the people they will be voted out. Those who are unelected have no overisght AND ARE FREE TO FOLLOW THEIR PET PROJECTS TO THE DETRIMENT OF THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY.

Ooh, all-caps. Are you frothing at the mouth as you type? It does add a little drama to what was an otherwise quite ignorant rant, though.

[c/e]

Edited December 31, 2009 by g_bambino