Wednesday, February 26, 2014

His Hands Are All Over It



Like an ugly stain that resists the most determined efforts at removal, Bill C-520, a 'private member's bill' proposed by Conservative MP Mark Adler, has Stephen Harper's signature and paranoid paw prints all over it.

The bill, about which I have written previously, would require all employees in parliamentary watchdog offices — such as the auditor general, ethics commissioner, or Elections Canada — to disclose any “partisan activity” in the decade before joining the office.

The fact that it has the full backing of the Prime Minister's Office is key to understanding both its genesis and the mentality that informs it, a mentality that those who follow Canadian politics closely are, of course, already acutely aware.

Without question, Harper and his cabal are the worst infection that ever invaded our political system. Their much chronicled acts of contempt against democracy, far too numerous to recap here, are ample testament to that fact. Fueled by suspicion and paranoia of Nixonian proportions, they see their enemies everywhere. To qualify as an enemy, one merely needs to stand in opposition to Conservative policy or voice a contrary opinion. And like the bully who never stops until he has what he perceives to be complete victory, Harper continues his relentless war against our cherished values and traditions, almost all of which must seem inimical to his ideology and agenda.

Fortunately, Canadians are becoming increasingly aware of this raging disease within our midst and are banding together in what Montreal Simon calls The Great Canadian Resistance. And happily, membership in that resistance is not limited to 'ordinary' citizens.

As reported in today's Toronto Star, Ottawa’s parliamentary watchdogs have taken the rare step of banding together to raise concerns over the bill. Indeed, in a letter to the House of Commons committee studying C-520, the watchdogs call the provisions very broad, vague in its definitions of “partisan” conduct, and warn the legislation could affect their ability to do their job.

“Examining the conduct of an employee following an allegation of partisan conduct may have an impact on the particular files, audits or investigations conducted by the employee in question,” the letter reads. “Such examination could halt or hinder an ongoing file, audit or investigation and cause delay.”


And of course, that is precisely the intent of the bill: to create such fear of repercussions for doing their jobs that they will be continuously second-guessing themselves, ultimately to the point of paralysis.

Like the effects of a wasting disease, each day the health of our democracy withers a little more, and there is only one cure. Let us hope that with the efforts of all concerned Canadians, 2015 will see a massive re-engagement at the ballot box, the last thing that the Harper cabal wants, because they know it would mark the end of their gravely unhealthy rule.

8 comments:

  1. That is one of the top item in Harper's agenda - to silence all the critics. No surprise there.

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    1. Very true, Ld, and all we can do is make as many people aware of Harper's priorities as possible.

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  2. Voter turnout will be crucial in the next election, Lorne. If enough Canadians come out to vote, Harper will be gone.

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    1. That is why I know there will be no abatement of Haper's hateful tactics, Owen. The greater the spread of negativity, the greater the demoralization of the electorate.

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  3. .. I don't think enough Canadians, especially those in media, entertainment, arts. with healthy influence on other Canadians.. are helping paint a picture of Stephen Harper, his government and his party..

    There's nothing honest, positive, healthy or progressive coming from this government.. A lot of spin, deceit, posturing, secrecy and pandering, yes.

    Why aren't more alert, capable, concerned and connected Canadians speaking out loudly, angrily with outrage? Are they just fine with the debacle of Brad Butt, and the toxic defense by Peter Van Loan.

    This Adler - Harper machination of C-520 is dark & dirty, greasy work.. gives nothing to Canada.. instead takes something away.. The incrementalism we hear of re Harper's strategies are all the same.. taking away .. chipping away nationhood, never about Canada.. always about The Harper Party Company

    Its a sickness.. and Mark Adler is selling the smallpox blankets for Stephen Harper

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    1. There is one bright spot on the media front, Salamander, and that is Rick Mercer. A bit later today I will be putting up his latest 'rant', this one against the 'Fair' Elections Act. As with all of his denunciations, it is quite satisfying and gratifying to watch.

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  4. hi Lorne...thanks for the link, and of course you're already a founding member of The Great Canadian Resistance.;) You know the more I think about it, the more I like the sound of that. All we need is a good symbol and a good slogan and we could start a movement....

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    1. Hi Simon,

      My pleasure. The Great Canadian Resistance is very evocative and inspirational. As for symbols and slogans, I will defer to you and others far more creative than me ;)

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