In Northern Manitoba we know that accountability isn't just important, it is vital when it comes to politics.
That is why it should come as no surprise that so many Northerners have spoken out against the federal government's decision to prorogue Parliament just before the new year.
I will often get people commenting on what is happening in Parliament. What is unique is that so many people have commented on what is not happening in Parliament!
What has the federal government done by proroguing Parliament? Quite simply it has pulled the plug on the session. All government bills that had not passed have died on the order paper. Private members' bills will continue on to the next session but have been delayed. In the meantime there will be no question period. No day-to-day accountability.
So much for the bills on crime, the Senate and many other issues. So much for private members' bills on issues like the gun registration.
What will I be doing before Parliament resumes sitting for the new session? Travelling throughout the riding. In the last two weeks I was in Grand Rapids, Easterville, The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Cranberry Portage, Flin Flon, Cross Lake, Norway House, Thompson, Gillam, Lynn Lake and South Indian Lake. In the upcoming weeks I will be travelling on the winter roads.
It's called keeping in touch. It's called accountability. It is exactly what Canadians deserve from their Parliament.
