Canadian House of Commons

The House of Commons was established in England years ago to give the common people a say in what happens in their country. Up until then the House of Lords and the Monarch ruled with divine right. The power of the people eventually fell to the House of Commons and decisions were formally acclaimed with the signing by the head of state.

The idea of the elected members being given the right to speak and openly make their views known brought forth a democratic system which worked for many years.Today the House of Commons still has those rights but for any member to share power he or she must do as directed by the party whip. At the present day question period has become a terrible scene where important questions asked by members in a serious manner are just read a scripted answer.

I cannot imagine how it must feel to be hand cuffed to the point where government ministers are unable to answer questions honestly and further the discussion in a meaningful way unless they follow the Prime Ministers script. It is no wonder that government members are indicating their decision to resign and not run for office in the upcoming election. Over thirty members already have announced and more to come including key cabinet ministers about deserting the sinking ship.

Let us hope that the PM gets the message and announces his retirement as well. There must be a return to a democratic process and the freedom of all elected members to share their wisdom in the service to their electors and the country as a whole. Canada will then once more be called a free democratic country.