Magna Carta

Last week in the Canadian Parliament a crisis was averted when the speaker of the house forced the executive branch to turn over documents regarding torture of prisoners in Afghanistan. This was not so much about the issue but the struggle of parliament to have its wishes carried out. The speaker issued an order that all the relevant documents be made available to a select committee of all parties.

What was relevant that this had to happen at all. It is a signal that the executive branch of our government thinks it is above the concept that parliament is supreme and final word under our constitution.

In 1215 a similar struggle took place in England and King John signed the Magna Carta giving certain rights to the Barons. This simple document has significant relevance in nearly every government in a democracy. The elected people have the final say in the governance of if the country.

In our system in Canada it is almost impossible for me to think this could have been an issue. It tells me that there are people in power who are testing the system. Parliament won the day but will there be more tests by our executive branch to question it's power. It seems to me that this government has been a closed shop and if you listen to question period you realize just how far the ministers in power will go to avoid answering even the smallest question.

This is not the only government who has turned the house into a circus but it certainly is the most closed in my memory. At this time there seems to be a move to give the Prime Minister too much power. He takes his cues from the American system which gives huge powers to the President. We should remember and remember well that our constitution places Parliament in full control and it is our greatest defence in protecting our freedom. Thank God for the Magna Carta and our present speaker who understands its value.