Tell your MP to get back to work on Jan 25th

Outta here

Senate Member
Jul 8, 2005
6,778
158
63
Edmonton AB


Liberals to return to work on Jan. 25, despite shutdown

Good. I hope the other parties do too.

If anyone's interested, there's a facebook group that's already over 50,000 strong:

"For those fed up with Harper's undemocratic behavior, tell your MP to get back to work on January 25th."

There's info there on how to contact your MP and the GG to and request that they show up to do the job they're paid to do in spite of Harper's request to prorogue, and to express your disapproval as a Canadian citizen of this action.

There's info there as well on how to contact your MP and the GG to and request that they show up to do the job they're paid to do in spite of Harper's request to prorogue, and to express your disapproval as a Canadian citizen of this action.



:canada:
 

FiveParadox

Governor General
Dec 20, 2005
5,875
43
48
Vancouver, BC
The petition, or whatever you want to call it, makes no sense.

As distasteful as the decision seems to have been, the fact is that the prorogation of the Parliament of Canada is an entirely constitutional move; it is in no way contrary to the principles of Canadian democracy. Parliament is only required, by the Constitution Act, 1982, to meet at least once per year — prorogations are constitutionally allowed for up to three hundred sixty-four days.

Do I think that the prime minister is avoiding the House of Commons?

Absolutely.

Do I think that the prime minister is trying to stack the Honourable the Senate of Canada?

Sure do.

Should that be the prime minister’s prerogative?

Even as an opponent of the Conservative Party of Canadayes, it should be, for our system of government to function appropriately and with the flexibility needed to respond to the day-to-day needs of Canadians and the country. The prime minister is offering to honourable senators and members of Parliament the opportunity to re-group and prepare for a blank slate session of the legislature. The prime minister’s request for a prorogation has also undercut his own position, stating quite clearly that not only was the Conservative agenda misguided, but not even the Government could buy into it enough to continue the session.
 

countryboy

Traditionally Progressive
Nov 30, 2009
3,686
39
48
BC
Not to be a spoilsport, but part of an MP's job is be in their riding to listen to the people, help them on various issues, and make appearances at various important functions, to name just a few. You might think they're doing nothing, but I don't think that's true.

I know it's a popular sport to verbally kick the crap out of any politician, but really...some, if not most of them do work hard and make a lot of sacrifices such as being away from home while in Ottaw and having to travel back and forth between sessions of Parliament. Sure, it's all part of the job and they get paid (not overpaid) for it, but why not give them a little break now and again?

Who knows? If we said "thanks" to them once in a while, it might just make their day! They're working for us, and a happy employee (who gets recognized once in a while) is a productive employee. They are human too.
 
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china

Time Out
Jul 30, 2006
5,247
37
48
74
Ottawa ,Canada
countryboy ,

Not to be a spoilsport, but part of an MP's job is be in their riding to listen to the people, help them on various issues, and make appearances at various important functions, to name just a few. You might think they're doing nothing, but I don't think that's true.

I know it's a popular sport to verbally kick the crap out of any politician, but really...some, if not most of them do work hard and make a lot of sacrifices such as being away from home while in Ottaw and having to travel back and forth between sessions of Parliament. Sure, it's all part of the job and they get paid (not overpaid) for it, but why not give them a little break now and again?

Who knows? If we said "thanks" to them once in a while, it might just make their day! They're working for us, and a happy employee (who gets recognized once in a while) is a productive employee. They are human too.

Bravo countryboy , good post .
 

Nuggler

kind and gentle
Feb 27, 2006
11,596
141
63
Backwater, Ontario.
Not to be a spoilsport, but part of an MP's job is be in their riding to listen to the people, help them on various issues, and make appearances at various important functions, to name just a few. You might think they're doing nothing, but I don't think that's true.

I know it's a popular sport to verbally kick the crap out of any politician, but really...some, if not most of them do work hard and make a lot of sacrifices such as being away from home while in Ottaw and having to travel back and forth between sessions of Parliament. Sure, it's all part of the job and they get paid (not overpaid) for it, but why not give them a little break now and again?

Who knows? If we said "thanks" to them once in a while, it might just make their day! They're working for us, and a happy employee (who gets recognized once in a while) is a productive employee. They are human too.


Yessir, and if you give a rattler a nice pat on the head it probably won't bite.....:roll:

At least a real smart fella like China agrees with ya.
 

Walter

Hall of Fame Member
Jan 28, 2007
34,892
129
63
I know two MP's personally and when they are not in Ottawa they are on the go all the time, visiting with constituents, speaking at various functions, doing committee work, and spending some time in their riding office so they are available to the public. One of the MP's is a cabinet minister and he has briefs, sent to him daily, to which he has to respond.

The less time they spend in Ottawa making laws the more freedom we have.
 

TenPenny

Hall of Fame Member
Jun 9, 2004
17,467
139
63
Location, Location
Most MPs work all the time, whether they are sitting in the HofC or not, they are working. Even when an MP is, for example, grocery shopping, or taking the kids to hockey practice, they are 'on duty' as far as being expected to respond to, and help, constituents.

Most work long hard days, so it's a bit foolish to sit at home at a computer, relaxing with a drink, expecting someone who works typically 10 to 12 hrs/day, 6 or 7 days/wk, to 'go back to work'.
 

jjaycee98

Electoral Member
Jan 27, 2006
421
4
18
British Columbia
The Haperites are ducking the Afghan detainee issue!

And the majority think they have had quite enough of that issue! Total waste of time.

The MPs will actually only have 6 days less in Ottawa than they have traditionally. Another hallibalou about nothing.
 

weaselwords

Electoral Member
Nov 10, 2009
518
4
18
salisbury's tavern
Prorouging parliment only cuts off the nose to spite the the face. All the Cons vaunted crime bills go down the drain & more than half of the Cons intiatives from this session die & have be reintroduced.
The more I think about this the more it plays into the hands of the Cons, it keeps Crime front & center in the next Crown Speech. Harper will be able to effectively change the balance of power in the Senate in the interm & also gives them breathing room on the detainee front.
 

Avro

Time Out
Feb 12, 2007
7,815
65
48
56
Oshawa
I know two MP's personally and when they are not in Ottawa they are on the go all the time, visiting with constituents, speaking at various functions, doing committee work, and spending some time in their riding office so they are available to the public. One of the MP's is a cabinet minister and he has briefs, sent to him daily, to which he has to respond.

The less time they spend in Ottawa making laws the more freedom we have.

Yeah but if they aren't in Ottawa how are they gonna do away with social programs and tax?

I've met with Jim Flarhety and he's an a$$ hat....so is Jerry Ouellette.
 

Francis2004

Subjective Poster
Nov 18, 2008
2,846
34
48
Lower Mainland, BC
Not to be a spoilsport, but part of an MP's job is be in their riding to listen to the people, help them on various issues, and make appearances at various important functions, to name just a few. You might think they're doing nothing, but I don't think that's true.

I know it's a popular sport to verbally kick the crap out of any politician, but really...some, if not most of them do work hard and make a lot of sacrifices such as being away from home while in Ottaw and having to travel back and forth between sessions of Parliament. Sure, it's all part of the job and they get paid (not overpaid) for it, but why not give them a little break now and again?

Who knows? If we said "thanks" to them once in a while, it might just make their day! They're working for us, and a happy employee (who gets recognized once in a while) is a productive employee. They are human too.

So how does a MP usually do his or her business then ? Are you trying to tell us there is no time for MPs to work unless the house is prorogued ?

The house can be adjourned as it was without requiring prorogation.. This only resets all parliamentary work..

Also an MP is not always required to be in the house and can be excused to be at his constituency office ( which can be in Ottawa or local ). Of course the only time they are required at the house is for matters of confidence.
 

countryboy

Traditionally Progressive
Nov 30, 2009
3,686
39
48
BC
So how does a MP usually do his or her business then ? Are you trying to tell us there is no time for MPs to work unless the house is prorogued ?

The house can be adjourned as it was without requiring prorogation.. This only resets all parliamentary work..

Also an MP is not always required to be in the house and can be excused to be at his constituency office ( which can be in Ottawa or local ). Of course the only time they are required at the house is for matters of confidence.

Hey cool off, Francis. I was responding to remarks like the ones shown in posts #4 and #5. I'm too technically stupid to figure out how to show both of those posts in a response. Please forgive me for my inadequacies.
 

Mowich

Hall of Fame Member
Dec 25, 2005
16,649
998
113
76
Eagle Creek
How can it be undemocratic to prorogue the house??? If that were so, you would think it would not be allowed at all.

Our MP has a huge constituency to cover with bad roads this time of year. Though she is able to get time off when parliament sits, this will give her an opportunity to get out to the hundreds of communities she may not otherwise be able to visit.

I will not be asking her to go back to parliament.
 

Francis2004

Subjective Poster
Nov 18, 2008
2,846
34
48
Lower Mainland, BC
Hey cool off, Francis. I was responding to remarks like the ones shown in posts #4 and #5. I'm too technically stupid to figure out how to show both of those posts in a response. Please forgive me for my inadequacies.

I'm cool and ok.. All is fine. :smile:

But when you put a comment such as

Not to be a spoilsport, but part of an MP's job is

I thought I would ask the question..

I don't think by far you are inadequate.. I just think sometimes we overlook facts..

And I don't think my questions were unfair. Sorry if I ruffled your feathers.
 

countryboy

Traditionally Progressive
Nov 30, 2009
3,686
39
48
BC
As a strategist and just plain good thinker, I think Mr. Harper is well ahead of the rest of the pack. His opponents are screaming blue bloody murder of course, but some of it is frustration at his continuing "good smarts" in running things. And he's getting better at it all the time, which proves he can learn from experience.

In our incessant and ongoing quest for more government in our lives, we have made politics into a game, and Mr. Harper is the best player on the board at this time.

Besides, many of the people going hysterical about this prorouging Parliament would be the same ones who were complaining about the lack of decorum and results coming out of the House of Commons lately. Just can't win...
 

Avro

Time Out
Feb 12, 2007
7,815
65
48
56
Oshawa
If Harper is so smart how come he can't win a majority? Clearly most Canadians would not vote for the man or his party.

They are all baffoons in Ottawa with the exception of a few.