You can never compensate for the regional inequalities that might exist electorally. One person, one vote is the only path and representation must be based on population. However, I have an idea, which might be impractical or even silly, but could have some merit. Is it time to take the parliament of Canada on the road?
What if, for a certain period every year, parliament was to convene in a western location, possibly Calgary, as a compromise? With modern technology, we could surely keep the information following between MP’s and the bureaucratic staff, based in Ottawa, such that it might not be the logistical nightmare that first blush might suggest.
The reason why such a gesture might be important is because I don’t think you can under-estimate the power of location. Most MP’s rarely travel outside of Ottawa and their riding. In the decision making process, it could be invaluable to have a better first-hand perspective for everybody. Holding a session of parliament in a western location could dispel the myth that Ottawa doesn’t represent regional interest. MP’s would be exposed to certain sensibilities that the bubble of Ottawa doesn’t always cultivate.
A powerful symbol, with a meaningful practical element, that says to western Canada, this is your government too. Is this a crazy idea?
5 comments:
Similar to monarchies using winter and summer court locales to show the crown? (and also find more comfortable locations, better hunting etc.)
I wonder how a modern variant would play out? Given my crotchety distrust of all things political right now, I see parliament moving to Calgary during the Stampede and vacationing rather than working.
But thats just me....
Excellent idea, ottawa is a very gross city.
Personally, I would prefer the adoption of a Triple-E Senate.
Heresay I know coming from a Liberal (from Ottawa no less) but that was the only idea from the old Reform Party that I agreed with.
When Canada was created it had four provinces in the Eastern part of Canada. Now it is much bigger and the west is under-represented in Parliament despite a steadily growing population. The current mechanisms for increasing their representation are inadequate so something else needs to be done.
Of course the devil would be in the details in creating a balance of power that would ensure the principle of representation by population was not eroded beyond recognition.
Of course it would also require a constitutional amendment, which would open up a Pandora's box of biblical proportions.
However, it is an issue that we will eventually have to face. Your idea Steve has merit but it and most other proposals I have heard are just stop-gap measures and none of them will allow us to escape the reality that we will eventually have to bring our Parliament from the 19st Century to the 19th Century.
D'oh!!!
That should be from the 19th Century to the 21st Century.
ottlib
We might reach a point where we have no choice but to open up the pandora's box.
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