Discussion · Oral Questions
Elizabeth May Green
“The government is secretly changing our democracy. Several new bills give the Prime Minister and cabinet brand new powers and let them ignore existing laws. I want to know if we will get a full, open debate on this.”
“Madam Speaker, we are witnessing the restructuring of Canadian democracy by stealth. Reducing the role of Parliament, Bill C-5, Bill C-15, Bill C-30, Bill C-31 and Bill C-39, all operate to create new, unprecedented powers for the Prime Minister and cabinet, and at the same time, allow the government to set aside a wide swath of existing laws as it sees fit. Restructuring democracy in this way should be subject to full, transparent debate. Will we be given that opportunity?”
Official Hansard
Madam Speaker, we are witnessing the restructuring of Canadian democracy by stealth. Reducing the role of Parliament, Bill C-5, Bill C-15, Bill C-30, Bill C-31 and Bill C-39, all operate to create new, unprecedented powers for the Prime Minister and cabinet, and at the same time, allow the government to set aside a wide swath of existing laws as it sees fit. Restructuring democracy in this way should be subject to full, transparent debate. Will we be given that opportunity?