TORONTO, Canada—Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to prorogue parliament until March could become a greater political albatross than the Afghan detainee controversy that some suspect prompted the move, says one expert.
“I think most Canadians are not actually much concerned with the detainees question per se but are more concerned with the government’s action in trying to cover up and with prorogation itself. It is after all a maxim of politics that cover-ups are often more punished than the deed itself ever would have been,” said Richard Van Loon, ex-president of Carleton University where he taught political studies.
Harper’s decision to postpone parliament will also hit a reset button on all legislation before the house.
“Two prorogations in just over 14 months is at best unusual. So is the fact that both of them have been for the political convenience of the party in power rather than for the normally legitimate reason that Parliament had substantially finished with one set of bills and was ready for a new beginning,” said Van Loon, who also worked as the associate deputy minister for Health Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs.
Van Loon said he supported the Conservatives’ first prorogation because he considered the coalition of opposition parties looking to take control of Parliament to be illegitimate. But this time around, he disagrees with the move.
“Whatever one thinks of the noise level in Parliament, one at least has to consider that it is the major way in which a government is held accountable, and yet as soon as it started to bite, Mr. Harper runs for cover.”
In announcing on Dec. 30, 2009, that Parliament will resume with a new throne speech focused on economic recovery, the prime minister said the government will use the time to figure out how to restore a balanced budget and further Canada’s economic recovery.
“Our priority in the new session of Parliament will continue to be rapid and effective implementation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to benefit communities, workers, and businesses,” Harper said.
“I think most Canadians are not actually much concerned with the detainees question per se but are more concerned with the government’s action in trying to cover up and with prorogation itself. It is after all a maxim of politics that cover-ups are often more punished than the deed itself ever would have been,” said Richard Van Loon, ex-president of Carleton University where he taught political studies.
Harper’s decision to postpone parliament will also hit a reset button on all legislation before the house.
“Two prorogations in just over 14 months is at best unusual. So is the fact that both of them have been for the political convenience of the party in power rather than for the normally legitimate reason that Parliament had substantially finished with one set of bills and was ready for a new beginning,” said Van Loon, who also worked as the associate deputy minister for Health Canada and Indian and Northern Affairs.
Van Loon said he supported the Conservatives’ first prorogation because he considered the coalition of opposition parties looking to take control of Parliament to be illegitimate. But this time around, he disagrees with the move.
“Whatever one thinks of the noise level in Parliament, one at least has to consider that it is the major way in which a government is held accountable, and yet as soon as it started to bite, Mr. Harper runs for cover.”
In announcing on Dec. 30, 2009, that Parliament will resume with a new throne speech focused on economic recovery, the prime minister said the government will use the time to figure out how to restore a balanced budget and further Canada’s economic recovery.
“Our priority in the new session of Parliament will continue to be rapid and effective implementation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to benefit communities, workers, and businesses,” Harper said.
