My fellow Canadians, can we talk? I think there is something seriously wrong with Canada’s Parliament. This once venerable institution has been lost in a parliamentary void.
Two recent events have led me to this sad conclusion. The first one was very real and very tragic. The second event was just make-believe but it was equally tragic for what it said about the propriety of our government.
We should have known something was up last March when MP Justin Trudeau and Senator Patrick Brazeau squared off for three rounds of boxing. It was billed as a fundraiser but it seemed very personal and highly inappropriate at the time.
And now, one year later, Mr. Brazeau has been escorted out of the Upper Chamber shortly after being escorted out of his home by police and charged with two very serious, violent crimes.
The details of the senator’s legal and personal problems will be revealed in the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime this incident has raised the same question I first heard years ago, around the time of Expo ’67.
Should the Canadian Senate be reformed or abolished? Now, as our country approaches its 150th birthday there is still no answer although the case for abolition just got a lot stronger. In a recent poll 32 per cent of Canadians felt this way.
And why not? The circumstances surrounding this sorry event showcase the privilege and reward that goes along with this political plum appointment. Even criminal behaviour is only mildly sanctioned.
Once he was released on bail, Mr. Brazeau returned to work but was quickly thrown out of the Senate Chamber.
His expense account and travel allowance may be revoked. His staff remains in place as does his $132,000 salary.
Even if he is eventually convicted and serves time for his offences the senator will not be automatically expelled.
He could be voted out but most troublemakers in the past chose to resign and keep their pension.
Whatever happens, it looks like the Senate safety net is alive and well.
The traditional reasons for abolition are well known.
It is a costly, useless, undemocratic and unaccountable institution.
And based on Mr. Brazeau’s behaviour, the selection process leaves a lot to be desired.
Senate defenders insisted that he be expelled and put on paid leave to protect the reputation of the Senate and to safeguard public trust and confidence in Parliament.
Meanwhile, back at the House of Commons, some Honourable Members were busy regaining that public trust by debating foreign affairs and national security. MP Pat Martin had the floor.
He was asking the government if preparations were being made to respond to a possible zombie apocalypse.
In particular, was there an International Zombie Strategy in the works?
With all the decorum he could muster, Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird responded that Canada would never be a safe haven for zombies.
Ladies and gentlemen I implore you. Is this really the time to turn the House of Commons into Yuk Yuks North?
Is there an oxygen deficiency in the building?
Thank you to the NDP and the Conservatives for revealing how trivial and inappropriate they are prepared to be in the House.
They probably thought they were putting the fun back in dysfunctional but they were actually putting the ass back in asinine.
The stage is yours Mr. Trudeau.
If you are prepared to meet the zombies for three rounds of boxing you could be our next prime minister. Are you the one to fill the parliamentary void?
For the sake of our precious Canadian democracy, let’s abolish something.
