Harper's abuse of Parliament designed to curtail federal power?

Timothy Gillespie — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 11:11:21 +0000

Stephen Harper’s abuse of Parliament, done in part through centralizing power around the Prime Minister’s Office, is designed in part to alienate Canadians from federal politics and reduce Ottawa’s perceived legitimacy, thus curtailing federal power and influence in Canada, argues Zach Paikin, in The Hill Times.

Despite being in power for nearly a decade, at first glance it appears as if Stephen Harper’s government has produced almost no landmark, enduring, “conservative” achievements.

The Keystone pipeline has been in limbo for an eternity. Free trade deals with the European Union and within the Trans-Pacific Partnership have yet to be completed. Much of the Harper government’s “tough on crime” legislation has not withstood judicial scrutiny. And, as Andrew Coyne recently noted, spending remains 12 per cent higher—even after inflation and population growth—than it was when the Conservatives first took over.

SEE FULL STORY IN HILL TIMES

Facebook Like

Tags:

stephen harper

Canada parliament

South Coast Today - Canada parliament

Harper's abuse of Parliament designed to curtail federal power?