When a government starts trying to cancel dissent or avoid dissent is frankly when it’s rapidly losing its moral authority to govern. (Stephen Harper, Canadian Press, April 18, 2005)
This quote appears in a letter sent to Agent 3 by Bev Hodgson, the Liberal candidate in the Canadian riding of Niagara Falls. She goes on...
"Shutting down Parliament in the middle of the night is signature Mr. Harper. This is the fourth time in just three years that he has shut down Parliament in order to wiggle his way out of a bind. No Prime Minister in Canadian history has shown as much disrespect for Parliament!
"Shutting down Parliament has of course raised speculation about a spring election.
Canadians have said, loud and clear, that there is no need for an early election, but it seems we are heading for one anyway.
"Turning the snubbing of Parliamentary democracy into a criticism of the Senate is one of Mr. Nicholson’s best spins yet -- this after Mr. Harper has appointed more Senators than any other Prime Minister in Canadian history, and is set to appoint another five.
"We all know that Canadian News doesn’t often reach into the US or the UK, but this extraordinary move by Mr. Harper has raised eyebrows abroad as well as at home. See "Shafting Democracy in Canada", from the Guardian, and "Canadian Leader Shuts Parliament for 2nd Time", from the New York Times.
"As well, Canadian Reporter Kady O’Malley dispels the myths that are being spun by the Conservatives in "Memories of Order Papers Past", on the CBC News website.
"I hope you will join us," Ms Hodgson concludes, "in denouncing this latest tactical move by Mr. Harper."
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