Altered States – Inky Is Right

Inky Mark is right.  The Manitoba Conservative MP, in announcing his retirement, stated that the practice of toeing the party line has actually cut MPs off from the constituents that elected them.  The Conservative Party in the House is by far the most rigidly disciplined, almost like boot camp. The price for departing from that discipline can and would be severe. Perhaps the best proof of this is that Inky Mark could only speak his mind fully because he was retiring.

This is the perennial condition for all parliamentarians, regardless of which party they come from.  When Mr. Mark stated, “There is no check and balance,” he was only speaking the truth.  Citizens elect local MPs who then go to Ottawa in a credible attempt at representing their regions.  But then they are informed that they have to vote with the pack and nobody wants to consider the consequences of challenging this prevailing wisdom.

Except it’s not so wise because it undermines the political space in this country, placing discipline over democracy.  In a minority Parliament, the imminent threat of election causes every party to consider its own political fate countless times each month.  And so, to assure that no mortal strategic error occurs, discipline is imposed from top-down to ensure survival.

The public witnesses such actions and shake their heads in disgust.  But really, what other option is there? When the current government is in a full-court press 24-7, how can the other parties back off enough to consider how they might best serve the people who elected them?  The possibility of another election at any time hardly creates the environment required for reflection and responsible government.

Truthfully, we’re in a perpetual state of political war, and in any conflict discipline is the only guarantor of possible survival.  Majority mandates at least provided three years of legislative and democratic opportunity should the government of the day choose to pursue such actions.  But with a new and bloody battle repeatedly on the horizon in the House, MPs are mere foot soldiers, there to protect the core and expendable should they stray from the battle plan.

Where does this leave their constituents?  Like citizens on the home front in our great wars, they read the daily battle reports in the newspapers or on television, often checking the lists for casualties.  Everything else is on hold, rationed, and domestic production is meant to feed the war effort.

Except that it doesn’t, because this is a war nobody wants. Canadians elect minority parliaments and then curse them when they prove dysfunctional. But should any party choose to take its finger off the trigger in order to pass legislation that truly matters to Canadians, they could well find themselves history.  People continue to follow media stories of politics, but not to check on the fate of their loved ones or for enlightenment on the overall war effort.  They watch it because it’s morbid.  Or they don’t watch it at all.

Yet I maintain that almost all of the MPs elected to the House are there for the dedicated purpose of serving their constituents.  I have witnessed their sincere efforts repeatedly, firsthand, for over two years.  They go home every weekend, sacrifice their time with family, and serve their constituents in noble and, at times, effective ways.

It’s time for the leadership of all parties to take the risk, create this democratic space for their MPs, and provide the conditions for proper debate and responsible government.  As MPs, we’ve retreated long enough.  For the sake of those we represent, let’s speak to our leadership and fight for a stable peace in our time.