House Sitting

The House of Parliament shouldn't be so entertaining. It's fortunate we only have 45 minutes a day (Monday to Friday) to listen to the buffoons carry on like no one's watching. If you do care to watch, here's the "Oral Questions" schedule on the left. Click for a larger chart.

I had hoped that the partisan politics would not play such a large role in this Parliament's house. There's still hope, they've only sat for 5 days. Some are still rising to thank their constituents for voting for them. Like we need to hear that.

MEMO: Ladies and gentlemen of the house, you are there to discuss the country's business. Put your electioneering behind you and get down to informative discourse. You got the job, now ask and answer for the people that put you there. We're watching and listening. Some of us would like to know what the members at the top level of government have in their heads. If you choose to use OUR house as a kindergarten playground we'll kick you out on your ass. Don't think we won't. Answer opposition and government questions as if you are speaking to the majority of citizens that chose to place that member there as their representative.

As hard or as unpleasant as it might come to you, or however judgemental your opinion of the querant might be, it's an opportunity to communicate our policies, considerations, and activities on matters serious enough to be asked. It's serious. If you don't take it that way, how should we, the people who put you on the firing line, respect our choice. Honour us. Honest and straight to the point. You have four minutes. Make up something we'd be pleased to know. Don't launch into partisan rancour because the question from represenative of 60,000 people (the normal population for each riding) is being asked by an idealogical opponent.

This Parliament has 308 members. All duly elected to be there. If their questions are all treated with ill respect, no matter how stupid, ignorant, or incompetent they may appear, they are based on someone's right to know. If your positions were reversed, and the government were back to opposition status, would you want your questions to frustrate you. Take this time to be an example now and for the future. Let's make this Parliament work.

It will start with adapting to a collegial atmosphere. The opposition, when they sit in the house, is not the enemy. Yes, you were to the Liberals, but hey, we're better than that. Those questions they pose may be the embodiment of years of suffering for a particular citizen's situation to rise to the highest level of consideration we have on the problem. Deal with it. Don't kill the messenger. Let's not cause any more tears to flow for the contemptible and haughty arrogance we the people have experienced for the past 13 years. Get out of the way of yourself and SERVE US WELL.

For God, Country, and Flag.


Here's Marleau and Montpetit's Chapter on Oral Questions from the House of Commons Procedure and Practice.
Hansard for Oral Questions 7Apr06