Prorogued
There’s lots to write about, but one thing in particular is irritating me to no end: the notion that in order to avoid a confidence vote, Harper has shut down the Canadian government for the next fifty-two days. The claim is being made mostly by backers of the coalition, including a certain party that still, despite its claims of relevancy, hasn’t won any seats in Parliament:
… Canadians are now saddled with a government who … now plans to take an extended break in order to dodge democracy.
Is Harper requesting prorogation at least partially to delay a vote of confidence? Of course he is. But what’s particularly noticeable is that the Greens appear to be completely clueless about the distinction between the executive branch and the legislative branch.
In case the Greens skipped their civics classes, here’s a crash course: Her Majesty’s Government forms the executive branch of the country. The Parliament of Canada, on the other hand, is the legislative body of the country. Parliament, the legislative body, is being prorogued. The government, on the other hand, is still functioning.
In other words, if the Canada Revenue Agency is reviewing your tax return, you will continue to hear from them at their usual slow-as-molasses pace.
Say what you want about Harper suspending an elected body in order to continue governing, but at least to accuse him of being a dictator is to be more accurate than to make the ridiculous assertion that the government itself is being shut down.
Friday, December 5th, 2008