Today as I watched Liberal MP Shiboam Cody shamelessly trying to bully Transport Minister John Baird in a Parliamentary Committee meeting, I couldn't help but come to the conclusion that these things should not be televised. They have become nothing more than a platform for political campaigning where MPs are immune from prosecution for libelous statements. Back in the days of Jean Chretien, Committees that asked difficult questions would just be dissolved, and I don't recall the media ever being this involved in the day to day operations of Parliamentary Committees. I believe that these Committees should exist and deliberate on important matters, but if you have watched some of the insanity coming from the opposition representatives you can't help but be turned off.
Shame on Shiboom Cody for using her position on the Committee to bully a cheerful and compassionate Minister who just wants to be accountable to the people of Canada. They even cut off his microphone; thankfully John Baird doesn't need a microphone. Did those who work in government offices agree that they must be forced to answer Pat Martin's questions on national television or face a jail term? If that is the case, why on Earth would anyone want to work in a government office? The Ministers are ultimately responsible for what happens in their office and should be the only ones compelled to testify on national television. If you want people to talk, take out the cameras and the reporters, because as it is right now it is absurd to force administrative assistants to be a part of their planned spectacle.
*disclaimer* some sarcasm was used in the writing of this blog post...
Parliamentary Committees these days are nothing but partisan theatrics. I can't watch a Committee meeting with Paul Szabo in it because I'm afraid I'll break my T.V.......or worse, lose the remote.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't disagree with you more, Bobby. Personally, I'd like to see the Parliamentary Committee supplant Question Period as the most-broadcast political venue in Canada.
ReplyDeleteImportant questions get asked in Committee, not in Question Period.
Shiboom (love your spelling) reminds me of Marlene Jennings. She wouldn't happen to be a protegee now, would she. "Two pots calling the kettle" sort of thing.
ReplyDeleteTake away parliamentary privilege and immunity to prosecution. Then we would see what people like Martin, Szabo and a bunch of those other gutless
ReplyDeletepr!(#s have for cojones.
Rob C
It's kinda fun watching the Cons frustrate the 'supreme ones' in committee.
ReplyDeleteShiboom has a wicked temper!
ReplyDelete