The COST of proroguing Parliament

[Topaz]

IF you care about how your tax dollars are spent you may want to watch this video. There are 222 government part timers that could lose their pensions because of the shut down. But hey, its not the politicans!! http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Politics/ID=1392320989

[waldo]

others have estimated the Harper Holiday cost to Canadians at considerably more... notwithstanding the obvious lack of productivity over the perogy period:

direct costs => $65,764,358

indirect costs => $64,643,375

--------------------------------

total perogy cost => $130,407,733

who knew suspending democracy (i.e. Conservative... uhhh... recalibrating) would cost Canadians so much?

[William Ashley]

50 million just the start considering that no bills will likely survive if an election is called uping the 60% of time in the last session to 90% of the time spent in the last year as being totally wasted which amounts to about 200 million dollars (so the joke is... it will cost as much as an election...) so much for not throwing away a 1/4 of a billion dollars.

[Wilber]

others have estimated the Harper Holiday cost to Canadians at considerably more... notwithstanding the obvious lack of productivity over the perogy period:

direct costs => $65,764,358

indirect costs => $64,643,375

--------------------------------

total perogy cost => $130,407,733

who knew suspending democracy (i.e. Conservative... uhhh... recalibrating) would cost Canadians so much?

There is no doubt this will be expensive but $130,407,733 for a Ukrainian dumpling? I don't think so.

[Shady]

I love to see all these posts from pseudo-fiscal conservatives. It's fun to watch.

[waldo]

I love to see all these posts from pseudo-fiscal conservatives. It's fun to watch.

Shady, they fit quite well with the Harper pseudo-fiscal Conservatives... don't you think? Oh pleeeese, let's have Shady attempt to make a case for Harper and the lil' leprechaun's stauch fiscal conservatism... something other than "the Opposition made them do it"

[GrizzlyBear]

The ability to prorogue Parliament needs to be written right out of the Constitution. The federal government has a mandate to govern at all times...through thick and thin...in sickness and in health. It is an absolute disgrace what this country has become, and even worse that not one MP has the balls to get out there - with full, blustering force in the media - to denounce this tyrannical act. All we get are dithering, gray hairs in Ottawa who worry more about their short game than doing what it is they're actually paid by all of us to do.

This continent is going to hell in a hand-basket...and not one savior looms on the horizon. We're just a country full of weak-kneed windbags.

Canada = a bad joke (albeit a pampered one)

[Topaz]

The ability to prorogue Parliament needs to be written right out of the Constitution. The federal government has a mandate to govern at all times...through thick and thin...in sickness and in health. It is an absolute disgrace what this country has become, and even worse that not one MP has the balls to get out there - with full, blustering force in the media - to denounce this tyrannical act. All we get are dithering, gray hairs in Ottawa who worry more about their short game than doing what it is they're actually paid by all of us to do.

This continent is going to hell in a hand-basket...and not one savior looms on the horizon. We're just a country full of weak-kneed windbags.

Canada = a bad joke (albeit a pampered one)

Of course, no Tories are going to make their opnions known,but I do know one that doesn't agree with Harper but its between moving up or getting kicked out!! It will be interesting to see when it comes to voting for the leadership, to keep Harper or to elected a new leader.

[Wilber]

Of course, no Tories are going to make their opnions known,but I do know one that doesn't agree with Harper but its between moving up or getting kicked out!! It will be interesting to see when it comes to voting for the leadership, to keep Harper or to elected a new leader.

Harper didn't invent prorogation, it has been used by many governments but I agree with GrizzlyBear, the concept needs to be abolished. It does nothing to serve the country's interest, only the interest of those in a position to use it.

[xul]

Harper didn't invent prorogation, it has been used by many governments but I agree with GrizzlyBear, the concept needs to be abolished.

Harper would be listed among those great men who changed their country's course in history, though he did that unintentionally , if the concept was abolished due to what he had done.

It does nothing to serve the country's interest, only the interest of those in a position to use it.

In some Chinese internet political forums and websites, there is a folksay of "ass determines brain", which is mostly used by poor peasants to lash those peasant family born communist officials. It means "how a person thinks depends on where he sits" or "a person's (political or social) position determines his action".

But I'm afraid that this method may also suit for Canadian politicians. When one day someone sits on where Harper sits today, the magic chair will also charm his brain and there won't be any change.

Edited January 23, 2010 by xul

[Shady]

There are 222 government part timers that could lose their pensions because of the shut down. http://www.cbc.ca/video/#/News/Politics/ID=1392320989

Doesn't this mean that we actually SAVE money from proroguing Parliament?

And does anyone remember the CBC doing the same type of story when the Liberals prorogued Parliament? It's funny how they pick and choose.

[Argus]

The ability to prorogue Parliament needs to be written right out of the Constitution. The federal government has a mandate to govern at all times...through thick and thin...in sickness and in health.

I'm willing to be none of you even know what prorogue meant a month ago, and certainly couldn't spell it to save your life.

In fact, it's fairly clear you STILL don't know what it means. The fact parliament is not sitting does not stop the government from governing, as evidence the numerous decisions made in the last month. Btw, for all you people and your snivelling about democracy being suspended, the prorogue hasn't actually had any affect yet. Yes, that's right. They are still on their traditional winter break. The prorogue has not actually STARTED yet!

You are poor, dumb sheep being herded by the National media. Example, there are three articles about Haiti on the on-line Globe and Mail today but SEVEN on proroguing parliament and how indignant everyone must be (at least the Globe says you must be indignant and even tells you why!).

Edited January 23, 2010 by Argus

[Shady]

Yes, that's right. They are still on their traditional winter break. The prorogue has not actually STARTED yet!

This really needs to be repeated! Probably several times.

[ToadBrother]

I'm willing to be none of you even know what prorogue meant a month ago, and certainly couldn't spell it to save your life.

Well, I can claim that I knew.

In fact, it's fairly clear you STILL don't know what it means. The fact parliament is not sitting does not stop the government from governing, as evidence the numerous decisions made in the last month. Btw, for all you people and your snivelling about democracy being suspended, the prorogue hasn't actually had any affect yet. Yes, that's right. They are still on their traditional winter break. The prorogue has not actually STARTED yet!

Um, Parliament was prorogued in December. The recess is lasting until the beginning of March. Maybe you don't know what prorogation is either.

You are poor, dumb sheep being herded by the National media. Example, there are three articles about Haiti on the on-line Globe and Mail today but SEVEN on proroguing parliament and how indignant everyone must be (at least the Globe says you must be indignant and even tells you why!).

So what? Canadian politics doesn't get shoved off the page because of disasters else where. Maybe Haiti will stop the hemorrhaging, maybe it won't, but journalists in Canada have long had an obsession with politics. And that's a bad thing?

[Shakeyhands]

Doesn't this mean that we actually SAVE money from proroguing Parliament?

And does anyone remember the CBC doing the same type of story when the Liberals prorogued Parliament? It's funny how they pick and choose.

You tell me if you can spot the differences....

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2003/11/12/liberals031112.html

[normanchateau]

You are poor, dumb sheep being herded by the National media. Example, there are three articles about Haiti on the on-line Globe and Mail today but SEVEN on proroguing parliament and how indignant everyone must be (at least the Globe says you must be indignant and even tells you why!).

As I recall, Globe and Mail editorials endorsed the re-election of Stephen Harper in the last election. The paper has historically herded poor, dumb sheep. No doubt your jowls shook with indignation when the Globe and Mail endorsed Harper.

[cybercoma]

Argus, responsible government means every level is accountable to the level below it: the government to parliament, the representatives of parliament to the people. Harper shutting down parliament until march shows that he has no respecdt for the ideals of responsible government. There is no threat to the political system or the country, as there was with the last prorogue which averted separatists from seizing the reigns of power. This time he prorogued parliament to avoid answering questions from parliament. Harper is spitting on what he was supposed to stand for: accountability.

[Wilber]

In fact, it's fairly clear you STILL don't know what it means. The fact parliament is not sitting does not stop the government from governing, as evidence the numerous decisions made in the last month. Btw, for all you people and your snivelling about democracy being suspended, the prorogue hasn't actually had any affect yet. Yes, that's right. They are still on their traditional winter break. The prorogue has not actually STARTED yet!

All government bills that have not received Royal Assent cease to exist and have to be reintroduced as new bills or reinstated at the new session. All committee work ceases during prorogation. Democracy is suspended.

[eyeball]

Harper is spitting on what he was supposed to stand for: accountability.

Harper has been spitting on that ever since he took office. Now he's crapping on accountability. Despite this Harper is ironically quite transparent.

[Topaz]

I'm willing to be none of you even know what prorogue meant a month ago, and certainly couldn't spell it to save your life.

In fact, it's fairly clear you STILL don't know what it means. The fact parliament is not sitting does not stop the government from governing, as evidence the numerous decisions made in the last month. Btw, for all you people and your snivelling about democracy being suspended, the prorogue hasn't actually had any affect yet. Yes, that's right. They are still on their traditional winter break. The prorogue has not actually STARTED yet!

You are poor, dumb sheep being herded by the National media. Example, there are three articles about Haiti on the on-line Globe and Mail today but SEVEN on proroguing parliament and how indignant everyone must be (at least the Globe says you must be indignant and even tells you why!).

You are wrong, but I will say, since the first time on, most Canadians that care about politics and what Harper is up to know what proroguing means! To Harper its a law that as PM gets him out of handing over government documents to the committee meetings, which would prove than indeed the government is covering up the truth about what THEY knew and WHEN they knew it. When some of his own members don't think it right , then the you know the PM has gone to far.

[Shady]

Harper has been spitting on that ever since he took office. Now he's crapping on accountability. Despite this Harper is ironically quite transparent.

Complete nonsense. Harper protected our government from the opposition who wanted to handover federal power to seperatists, who's cheif political goal is to break up our country. And in this case, he's protecting the men and women of the Canadian military who were being used as pawns by the radical left.

So if you're keeping score at home. Harper's spit on seperatists and their supporters, and spit on political hacks of the opposition, who think attacking the Canadian military for political purposes is a reasonable strategy. Like I said before, stop the continous bitching. Either force an election over it (in which Harper will destroy you), or shut up already. Shit or get off the pot.

Edited January 23, 2010 by Shady

[William Ashley]

The ability to prorogue Parliament needs to be written right out of the Constitution. The federal government has a mandate to govern at all times...through thick and thin...in sickness and in health. It is an absolute disgrace what this country has become, and even worse that not one MP has the balls to get out there - with full, blustering force in the media - to denounce this tyrannical act. All we get are dithering, gray hairs in Ottawa who worry more about their short game than doing what it is they're actually paid by all of us to do.

This continent is going to hell in a hand-basket...and not one savior looms on the horizon. We're just a country full of weak-kneed windbags.

Canada = a bad joke (albeit a pampered one)

Jack Layton would like to introduce legislation limiting the PM's ability to prorogue.

[ToadBrother]

Jack Layton would like to introduce legislation limiting the PM's ability to prorogue.

He could wish for the sun, moon and stars too, but he wouldn't get those any more than he would get this. Prorogation is a Reserve Power. Parliament cannot pass laws modifying Reserve Powers and Royal Prerogatives, only an amendment to the Constitution can do that. Harper, or any PM, could safely ignore such a law, since it is an unconstitutional interference with the Sovereign's powers.

Or, in simpler words, either Layton is a moron, or he's just grandstanding.

Edited January 23, 2010 by ToadBrother

[William Ashley]

Complete nonsense. Harper protected our government from the opposition

The opposition is part of government and serves a crucial role in Parliament. It has the majority of popular support and seats in the house of commons.

who wanted to handover federal power to seperatists

I would give shared power to seperatists, parliament already does this by allowing a seperatist party seating in the commons. Note that an oath or afirmation needs to be swarn before they are allowed sitting in the commons.

So keep spouting your nonsense. A dictator would have your view but not someone who supported democracy.

Sadly I geuss Albertans only supporting one party in their provincial legislature are trying to spread their form of government to the rest of Canada, unaccountable single party rule. Maybe there are other reasons for selling the athabascan tar stands to china.

[ToadBrother]

Complete nonsense. Harper protected our government from the opposition who wanted to handover federal power to seperatists, who's cheif political goal is to break up our country. And in this case, he's protecting the men and women of the Canadian military who were being used as pawns by the radical left.

Then why was Harper so willing to get into bed with the Sovereigntists a few years earlier? You're full of crap. Harper just wanted to hang on to government. I'd say that forming a Coalition with the Bloc was pretty much Harper's invention.

Do you surrender your brains at the door when you buy a Tory membership card these days? I mean, have you any notion of rational argument, of facts? Or is it that you have this weird crush on Harper that forces you to say patently moronic things? If the Liberals and the NDP were wrong for trying out the Coalition, then so was Harper.

Edited January 23, 2010 by ToadBrother