Approximately 25 people came out to the Fishermen’s Hall in Prince Rupert on January 23 to join a national protest of Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to prorogue Parliament, something that rally-goers called “an obscene abuse of power”.
“When Parliament is prorogued the majority of the work done in that session is terminated. Proroguing is what is done when you want to end discussion and debate about something…What the government has done is prorogued Parliament instead of taking a recess, and the benefit of that is that no work can be done during this time by committees or the House,” said UFAWU spokesperson and city councillor Joy Thorkelson, noting that this decision is particularly convenient for the Harper government in the face of committee work looking into the Afghan detainee scandal.
“When we look at what is happening in Ottawa, it is all for partisan purposes. Mr. Harper wants to remove any accountability and transparency for his government, particularly now with what is happening in Afghanistan and in one of the worst financial crisis in history…If there is a true reason to cancel government it should be done by vote. This is wrong, and we need to get our elected officials back to work,” added North Coast MLA Gary Coons.
Noting that the rallies took place on the day of the 2006 federal election that gave the Conservatives its first minority government, Thorkelson said this move went against his speech that night promising to listen to Canadians and his mandate to work with other parties.
“He has led not only as though he has a majority, but as though he has the right of kings,” she said.
As well as speakers, the rally gave attendees a chance to sign a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office voicing their frustration with the decision.
By Shaun Thomas
The Northern View
January 23, 2010
posted online www.thenorthernview.com