The Commons standing committee on procedure and House affairs is considering rules changes that would allow our elected representatives to strike a healthier work-life balance, and to allow them to put an appropriate focus back on their families. The parties have been asked to consult their caucuses, and the committee is going to be reviewing those results on March 9.
One of the possible changes being considered is to remove the current practice of a 4.5-hour Friday sitting and, instead, extend sitting hours on Monday through Thursday. Some MPs already travel at least 20 hours to and from their electoral district during the weekend to see their spouses, children, and other loved ones, and this would make it easier to get home, and then back to the capital.
Some MPs are also discussing whether it would be possible to create a second debate chamber for the House, where MPs could participate in the detailed study of bills, committee reports, delegation business, but without the ability to vote. The House would meet in both chambers concurrently, but final votes and decisions could only be made in the House chamber.
The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc P.C., M.P., the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, brought the matter to the attention of the committee, which has embarked on this cross-partisan consultation; the committee is also calling for legislative clerks from other jurisdictions to attend and advise them on how to do this properly. I applaud the committee for its due diligence.
And, shocking no one, The Hon. Lisa Raitt P.C., M.P., the Opposition critic for finance, has come out opposing the initiative to make the House more family-friendly, stating that being an elected representative is not an onerous job in Canadians' minds.
Source: MPs may say goodbye to Friday sittings (CBC News)
One of the possible changes being considered is to remove the current practice of a 4.5-hour Friday sitting and, instead, extend sitting hours on Monday through Thursday. Some MPs already travel at least 20 hours to and from their electoral district during the weekend to see their spouses, children, and other loved ones, and this would make it easier to get home, and then back to the capital.
Some MPs are also discussing whether it would be possible to create a second debate chamber for the House, where MPs could participate in the detailed study of bills, committee reports, delegation business, but without the ability to vote. The House would meet in both chambers concurrently, but final votes and decisions could only be made in the House chamber.
The Hon. Dominic LeBlanc P.C., M.P., the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, brought the matter to the attention of the committee, which has embarked on this cross-partisan consultation; the committee is also calling for legislative clerks from other jurisdictions to attend and advise them on how to do this properly. I applaud the committee for its due diligence.
And, shocking no one, The Hon. Lisa Raitt P.C., M.P., the Opposition critic for finance, has come out opposing the initiative to make the House more family-friendly, stating that being an elected representative is not an onerous job in Canadians' minds.
Source: MPs may say goodbye to Friday sittings (CBC News)
