There are similarities between the SNC-Lavalin affair and the British parliament’s civil war over Europe — for one, the idea that party unity should be subverted to the personal convictions of MPs…
I have spent much of the past month in the U.K., watching the roof cave in on a Westminster House of Commons divided against itself. Canada has its own divisions but they pale by comparison.
The idea that backbench MPs are required to be witless bobbleheads controlled by domineering leaders has been reinforced by the media coverage of the treatment of former ministers Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott. In an interview at the weekend on CTV’s Question Period, Philpott said she “stood up and said what I believed, tried to advance the truth, tried to stand up on principle and was essentially pushed away as a result of that.
The British public has had enough — three-quarters feel like the main parties “no longer serve the best interests of the country.” More worryingly, 54 per cent now want a “strong leader who’s willing to break the rules,” according to the poll by the Hansard Society. “Parties are also our reminder that politics is, by its very nature, a team sport. A leader without followers, as the saying goes, is just a person going for a walk,” Brodie noted. “Responsible government relies on the institutionalized competition between parties.”
Philpott’s attempt to have the Speaker of the House rule that Justin Trudeau breached her privilege in expelling her from caucus was quixotic — each party controls its own destiny and, while upset at Trudeau’s weak leadership during the SNC affair, a clear majority of MPs wanted her and Wilson-Raybould gone. Having expressed a lack of confidence in their leader, they should have left without being asked.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Beauty Bar: John Frieda Go Blonder Lemon Miracle MasqueWe tried it, so you can know before you go to buy it.
Read more »
John Robson: In Libya and elsewhere, we can defeat tyranny but not impose democracyI favour intervention because the bad guys need to know that if they get too awful, they will be killed
Read more »
Five things to know about Skinners Cage by Big John Bates: NoirchestraHard-touring psychobilly crew Big John Bates: Noirchestra rip through 11 new songs on Skinner’s Cage.
Read more »
Sketch, surveillance video released in attacks on Coun. John Filion’s homePolice released a composite sketch and surveillance camera clips of a suspect wantedin connection with two separate incidents at the home of Willowdale city councillor John Filion’s, including an attempted forced entrance and shots fired.
Read more »
Police release composite sketch of suspect in shootings at city councillor John Filion’s homeCouncillor John Filion and his partner, CBC Radio host Anna Maria Tremonti, were at home April 4 when someone shot multiple rounds at their property near Yonge Street and Parkview Avenue, striking the garage and a vehicle
Read more »
Ford To Reveal Transit Plan For Toronto Without The City's MayorDoug Ford to reveal transit plan for Toronto without the city's mayor
Read more »
Ford Reveals Plan For New Toronto Subway Line Without The City's MayorNEW: Ford reveals plan for new Toronto subway line from Ontario Place to the Science Centre
Read more »