One of the roots of this loss of authority is the lack of deliberation that occurs in Parliament. Parliamentary debate in Canada is determined for the large majority of issues on the basis of party affiliation. This, along with the growing impotence of committees, is leaving MPs with a less significant role. Consequently, Parliament is on its way, gradually, of becoming a rubber stamp as there is no doubt as to how MPs will vote.
Party discipline is often essential for efficient government. You need only look to the US Congress to see the rampaging effects of loose party discipline. However, it is still possible to have a Westminster style for of government and still give MPs more leeway. One way this could be done is to require confidence votes to be on budgets and Opposition days. This would prevent the fearmongering by overzealous and domineering PMs who render every vote a confidence matter.
I have by no means examined this proposal thoroughly, or examined others in depth either. However, it is clear that their are problems endemic to our Parliament that should be reformed. And what better time to do this than when the case for reform is being most eloquently put by a PM's prorogation of Parliament? Recommend this Post at Progressive Bloggers If you liked this post, please vote for my blog at Canadian Blogosphere
I've been saying similar things for a while now, specifically with respect to the confidence votes.
ReplyDeleteI always remind people when they suggest some form of proportional representation that that would probably lead to more minority gov'ts. I'd like to figure out how to make minority gov'ts work before we change the system to perhaps encourage more of them. I think limits on confidence votes is a good 1st step.
"At a time like this, when our Parliamentary government has been abused,"
ReplyDeleteOther than the above statement, I agree with your post. (Remember both Con and Lib abused power for themselves.)
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.
"One way this could be done is to require confidence votes to be on budgets and Opposition days. This would prevent the fear-mongering by overzealous and domineering PMs who render every vote a confidence matter."
This would be a good start, although the opposition parties have Throne Speech and Budget to vote ruling party out of office. Once they vote for it, then get on with other bills, for they already support these two possibilities to overthrow the ruling party. I think Iffy already said he would support the Throne Speech and Budget, therefore they can focus on other matters.
"I'd like to figure out how to make minority gov'ts work before we change the system to perhaps encourage more of them. I think limits on confidence votes is a good 1st step."
Perhaps the best way is to have an alternative ready to present to the voters. Perhaps if the Liberals were smart they would have an alternative budget for Canadians, if it is good voters would buy into it. (They say tey are going back to work on the 25th, why not actually work on something worthwhile - like a "shadow budget"?) Yet to attack with no alternative is just playing games - and will make them look silly.
Clown Paarty
I think some form of PR is essential to the survival of democracy. But the Rational Number is correct that with this reform must come others to make such governments work better. But I see no reason that that this cannot happen. It just requires a little vision and political will.
ReplyDelete