This is the role that they should fulfill in the current parliamentary crisis. This, for once, is a matter in which Parliament, through its two speakers, needs to be represented. This is entirely within the purview of the Speakers, as although this role of representing their Houses has taken on a ceremonial character, they are still the only individuals who could legally fulfill it.
This idea of representing Parliament may sound nebulous, but in this current prorogation it has the potential of being concrete. If the Speakers were to take their roles as representatives of the two houses of Parliament seriously, they should be dutifully appalled by the total disregard, disdain, and contempt for Parliament that this prorogation shows. They should make a public announcement to this effect, calling for the reconvening of Parliament, and solicit the governor general on this issue, and if that is to no avail, then perhaps even the Queen.
Of course, it is unlikely that the last option would have much weight, and neither is it likely that the governor-general would now overturn her decision to allow prorogation. However, what is certain is that it would heighten public awareness of the issue and exemplify the extent to which our democracy is being taken from us.
Speakers used to be killed for the news they brought their sovereign of deliberations within the forums of democracy. It is at such a historic and significant time as now that the Speakers should assume that mantle of courage of their predecessors and defend the institution they represent. It is at times such as these that they should use their legally conferred powers to the true extent of their original intention. Recommend this Post at Progressive Bloggers If you liked this post, please vote for my blog at Canadian Blogosphere
Since the house isn't sitting, there's no official reason for the speakers to be there. I'd be just as happy to read that the janitors don't bother to open the doors for ths rabble.
ReplyDelete"It is at such a historic and significant time as now that the Speakers should assume that mantle of courage of their predecessors and defend the institution they represent. It is at times such as these that they should use their legally conferred powers to the true extent of their original intention."
ReplyDeleteThank you for thinking about what I said about the speaker.
"I would challenge all [Cons, Libs, Quebec separatists, and NDP] parties to actually debate rather than hearing yelling and screaming during QP while trying to answering questions. The Speaker of the House has lost control and should shut down parliament until all MP's behave as teens do in actual debating classes."
I think one of the most shocking event would be to have QP without yelling and screaming. It appears the only ones that do not do this is the Independent seats. All the main parties deserve to be kicked out until they can at least hear an answer from a question. This will never happen because of the cameras.
Clown Party