As a Parliamentary Democracy, Canadians benefit from an historic, democratic tradition that dates back to 1215 in England and the signing of the Magna Carta. As the inheritors of that democratic tradition and the decision by Prime Minister Stephen Harper to prorogue the House of Commons, Canadians can look forward to a fresh start with a new fall session of Parliament. A Speech from the Throne to mark a new session of Parliament is our way of enriching Canada’s parliamentary tradition and sharing that tradition with all Canadians.
At no point in our history can Canadians be more proud of the high esteem other countries hold Canada and the strides we have made as the best place on earth to live!
Many constituents ask me what the terms “session,” “prorogue,” and “parliament” mean, and how it applies to a modern democratic nation like Canada.
A Parliament is the period of time elected Members exercise their powers as representatives of the people. The parliamentary time period is divided into sessions. Sessions are divided into sittings. The historical practice of ending a session by prorogation was a common practice from Confederation until 1940 and the wartime situation.
Transparency and accountability, trademarks of this government, are evident every time Prime Minister Stephen Harper rises in the House of Commons to speak. As has been said previously, we stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. It is important to keep our democratic traditions intact.
What would you like to see in the Speech From the Throne?
Please, let me know so that I can let you exercise your royal prerogative!