Volume 37, No. 2 Summer 2014

Constituency Offices in Focus

Journal of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Canadian Region Regional Executive Committee, CPA (June 30, 2014)

president regional representatives Gene Zwozdesky, Alberta Russ Hiebert, Federal Branch Ross Wiseman, Newfoundland and Labrador first vice-president Gene Zwozdesky, Alberta Dale Graham, New Brunswick chair of the cwp, canadian section second vice-president (Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians) Linda Reid, British Columbia Myrna Driedger, Manitoba

past president executive secretary-treasurer Jacques Chagnon, Québec Blair Armitage

Members of the Regional Council (June 30, 2014)

house of commons senate Andrew Scheer, Speaker Noël Kinsella, Speaker Audrey O’Brien, Clerk Gary O’Brien, Clerk

alberta nova scotia Gene Zwozdesky, Speaker Kevin Murphy, Speaker David McNeil, Secretary Neil Ferguson, Secretary

british columbia ontario Linda Reid, Speaker Dave Levac, Speaker Craig James, Secretary Deborah Deller, Secretary

canadian federal branch prince edward island Joe Preston, Chair Carolyn Bertram, Speaker Elizabeth Kingston, Secretary Charles MacKay, Secretary

manitoba québec Daryl Reid, Speaker Jacques Chagnon, Speaker Patricia Chaychuk, Secretary Émilie Bevan, Secretary

new brunswick saskatchewan Dale Graham, Speaker Dan D’Autremont, Speaker Donald Forestell, Secretary Gregory Putz, Secretary newfoundland and labrador northwest territories Ross Wiseman, Speaker Jackie Jacobson, Speaker Sandra Barnes, Secretary Tim Mercer, Secretary

nunavut yukon George Qulaut, Speaker David Laxton, Speaker John Quirke, Secretary Floyd McCormick, Secretary The Canadian Parliamentary Review was founded in 1978 to inform Canadian legislators about activities of the federal, provincial and territorial branches of the Canadian Region of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and to promote the study of and interest in Canadian parliamentary institutions. Contributions from legislators, former members, staff and all other persons interested in the Constituency offices, virtually objectives of the Review are welcome. absent from the landscape 10 to 20 years earlier, became a The Review is published for the Canadian more common sight in the 1970s. Region, CPA. Any opinions expressed Here we present archival photos are those of individual contributors and of former Ontario MPP John should not be attributed to any Branch of MacBeth, who served in cabinet the Canadian Region. as Solicitor General, Minister of Correctional Services and Minister of Labour, at work in one of his Editor: Will Stos constituency offices. Photos Layout: Frank Piekielko courtesy of Wendy MacBeth. Production Team: Albert Besteman, Cheryl Caballero, Kim Dean, Yasuko Letter from the Editor Enosawa, Susanne Hynes, Joanne McNair, Will Stos...... 2 Wendy Reynolds, Linda Wells Changing Partisan Representatives While Maintaining Office Staff Editorial Board Interview with Elizabeth Witmer, former MPP...... 3 Patricia Chaychuk (Chair) Charles Robert (Deputy Chair) No Independent Office Space: the PEI Experience Interview with Paula Biggar, MLA...... 5 Blair Armitage Deborah Deller Dominique Drouin Kim Hammond Under One Roof: Federal and Provincial Parliamentarians Share Sonia L’Heureux Charles MacKay Constituency Office Space Audrey O’Brien Gary O’Brien Interview with Gilles Bisson, MPP...... 7 Kate Ryan-Lloyd Doug Schauerte Barbara Whittaker A Constituency of Millions: “Elected” Senators Discuss Alternatives to Operating a Province-wide Constituency Office Interviews with Senator Doug Black and Senator Betty Unger...... 11 Subscription $25.00 (4 issues) or “The People’s Office”: Constituency Offices in the Far North $40.00 (French and English editions) Roundtable with Michael Nadli, MLA, Frederick (Sonny) Blake Jr., MLA, Cheques should be made payable to: and Kevin Menicoche, MLA ...... 14 Canadian Parliamentary Review British Columbia Reaches a New Benchmark for Women’s Representation Hon. Linda Reid, MLA...... 18 Address correspondence to: Canadian Parliamentary Review Experiential Learning in the Constituency Office: c/o Ontario Legislative Library Educational Innovation at Ryerson University Queen’s Park Patrice Dutil...... 20 Toronto, ON M7A 1A9 E-Mail: [email protected] Perceptions and Performance: How Do MPs Shape Up? Internet: http://www.RevParl.ca Elisabeth Gidengil and Heather Bastedo...... 25 Editor: (416) 325-0231 Book Excerpt: Tragedy in the Commons Fax: (416) 325-3505 “What Job Is This Anyway?” E-Mail: [email protected] Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan...... 31 Legal Deposit: Constituency Offices: By the Numbers National Library of Canada Julie Anderson...... 34 ISSN 0229-2548 The Constituency Project Ten Years On Cette revue est aussi disponible en Peter MacLeod...... 37 français Parliamentary Book Shelf...... 41 Legislative Reports...... 46

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 1 Letter from the Editor

n this edition of the Canadian Parliamentary who have hit bureaucratic roadblocks and hope Review we turn our eye to what one contributor their parliamentarian can act as their champion or Icalls “the country’s most dramatic, if accidental, ombudsperson. Some members of the scholarly parliamentary reform”: constituency offices. With well community use articles in this issue to note that these over 1,000 constituency offices at the federal, provincial developments make constituency offices an excellent and territorial levels combined, many people across the place for experiential learning for young political country will have at least some familiarity with these scientists, but perhaps signal some greater malaise in institutions – whether simply passing by on a street our political system. Is constituency work alone the or actively seeking assistance from their constituency best use of parliamentarians’ time? Why is it that so office in person, by phone or by mail. many parliamentarians get so much satisfaction from adopting the “fixer” role in their constituency offices But, likely reflecting the heterogeneous country in while the public’s perception of MPs as being detached which they reside and the members which they serve, and unresponsive to community needs has grown? there is great diversity amongst these offices. In a Should parliamentarians re-imagine constituency series of interviews and roundtables, we present some offices as spaces for civic engagement to deepen and of the unique ways in which parliamentarians have enrich the country’s political conversation? organized these offices, how yet others fulfill their representative roles without them, and the particular While this edition will offer a few entry points for challenges presented by geography and population discussion, the Canadian Parliamentary Review welcomes density. and encourages parliamentarians to publicize other innovations within the country’s political system Many of these offices, with their diverse forms occurring at the local level, outside of the legislative and functions, seem to have evolved (or perhaps assemblies. Please consider submitting a letter to the devolved) into the de facto front line for certain Editor or a future article to apprise your colleagues of ministries or the bureaus of last resort for constituents these types of developments.

Will Stos Editor

2 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Changing Partisan Representatives While Maintaining Office Staff

Interview with Elizabeth Witmer, former MPP

Upon replacing long-time Liberal Herb Epp as MPP for the riding of Waterloo North in 1990, Progressive Conservative Elizabeth Witmer hired two of her predeccessor’s constituency office staff. In this interview, Witmer notes that although such arrangements are uncommon between politicians with different partisan affiliations, adopting a firmly non-partisan approach to hiring staff for constituency work served her and her community well.

CPR: Can you tell well. I ran for the board in 1980 and was successful. us how you became I became Chair of the Board in 1985. I was invited to involved in politics and run for the PC Party in 1987 and despite the fact that the path that took you I knew that I could not defeat Herb Epp, because he to your election as an was a well-respected, people-oriented representative, MPP? I decided to become the PC candidate. Sometimes you have to run and lose in order to learn how you can Elizabeth Witmer: win the next time around. I ran again in 1990 and was I had developed an successful at a time when the province voted NDP. interest in politics My riding switched from Liberal to Conservative. It while I was in high was very much, I believe, based on people voting for a school. When I was 18 person with a track record as opposed to my political I had gone to a rally affiliation. with my Member of Provincial Parliament in Huron County, and member CPR: When new parliamentarians are elected they of cabinet, Charles McNaughton. He invited me are allowed to use some of the office budget to set up a to attend a rally with him and his wife. I remember constituency office. Sometimes when they are replacing coming home and thinking that I would like to be an someone from the same party they’ll hire members of MPP just like him. Mr. McNaughton was a very caring their former staff. But it’s extremely rare for anew person who, regardless of your station in life or your member to hire the staff of the former member if they political affiliation, respected and treated everyone the represented a different party. Why did you opt to do same. I was very impressed with the way he served this? and worked for his constituents. After graduation from Witmer: I found out that it was extremely rare only high school I went to Western to become a secondary after I had done it. I made the decision that my job was school teacher. After 12 years teaching I made a decision to represent the people of my riding and that I needed to leave the teaching profession and seek public office. to represent all of the people in my riding regardless of I decided to run for election as a school board trustee, whether they had supported me or my party. I came as opposed to municipal council, because I felt I had to the conclusion that the people who had worked for the educational experience that would serve me Herb Epp knew the riding and had served the people extremely well, so I offered two of his constituency staff positions. One of them worked for me until she Elizabeth Witmer was elected as MPP for Waterloo North in 1990 retired and the other worked for me for the 22 years I as a Progressive Conservative and subsequently re-elected in that was an MPP. Their focus was on putting people first – riding and its successor Kitchener-Waterloo until her retirement in ours was not a political office. We focused on serving 2012. She began a five-year term as Chair of the Workplace Safety Insurance Board in 2012. the people well and I don’t ever regret that decision

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 3 because I do believe constituency offices should be and stakeholder relationships. However, I was still focused on helping all of the people all of the time and involved in major decision-making and I never everyone should feel very welcome approaching you allowed any correspondence to be released without or your staff with problems or concerns. I believe the my signature. She did an outstanding job in serving staff I hired did that job. Their first loyalty was to the my constituents and at the same time keeping me people in the riding and I fully believe that’s how it informed about current issues so that I always had should be. I will also say that I did receive a phone call first-hand knowledge about them. This was important from someone in the party who said, “You know, that’s information which helped to inform decision-making not normally how things are done.” So I did discover at caucus and cabinet meetings. that’s not what usually happens, but to this day I think CPR: When you took over from Mr. Epp and hired it was very appropriate that I hired individuals who some of his staff, did it allow for you to carry over some put people ahead of politics. of his case files for your own use or is that something CPR: You mentioned receiving one call highlighting that’s not done? that this was unusual. Did you have many other Witmer: Those files are normally destroyed. colleagues inquiring about how it was working? However, in this instance we did have access to Witmer: I only some of his files. There remember one call and was some benefit to aside from that one; I “Their focus was on putting people first – ours having them because it don’t think people made meant the constituent it a big issue. But after was not a political office. We focused on serving wouldn’t have to start the fact I did become the people well and I don’t ever regret that all over again with a new aware that it was more decision because I do believe constituency offices constituency assistant usual to choose someone should be focused on helping all of the people who didn’t know the who had a similar all of the time and everyone should feel very background of their case. political affiliation to CPR: Considering yourself. I had no idea welcome approaching you or your staff with that constituency offices of the political affiliation problems or concerns. I believe the staff I hired have become a key of the two staff I hired did that job. Their first loyalty was to the people entry point in dealing and personally that was in the riding and I fully believe that’s how it with governments for irrelevant. I just wanted should be. .” ~Elizabeth Witmer various services or in to make sure they were terms of being directed going to serve all of the to the right department, people in the riding should there be a role for to the best of their ability as well making sure we a public servant in constituency offices – someone who addressed the concerns of our constituents to the best would be tied to the institution regardless of which of our ability. party or member was in office? CPR: What were some of the benefits of keeping the Witmer: I think it would be too difficult to achieve. former member’s staff? Right now it’s the MPP who is the employer and there Witmer: They knew the constituents. They were needs to be a level of trust and collaboration between familiar with the job of working in a constituency the MPP and the staff who work in the constituency office. They were aware of the issues and concerns of office. You have to have a level of confidence that your constituents which included Workplace Safety and staff will represent you in a manner you want tobe Insurance Board and welfare cases, family support represented. That is critically important. They are issues, birth certificate renewals and replacements, your eyes and ears in the community. They’re on the health cards, transportation issues and small business front line. As an MPP you spend a great deal of time issues. The advantage was the former member’s in Toronto, especially when you become a cabinet staff knew their job well, and they knew what was minister. It is the constituency staff who let you know expected of them. I appreciated that one of Herb’s what’s going on in the riding, so there has to be a staff stayed with me throughout my 22 years in the level of trust and honesty between the MPP and their office. This was important when I became a Cabinet staff. If there are problems they need to let you know Minister in 1995, because I wasn’t able to be in my as quickly as possible so you can become involved in riding as often, she basically managed the office helping to resolve them.

4 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 No Independent Office Space: the PEI Experience

Interview with Paula Biggar, MLA

Members of the Legislative Assembly in Canada’s smallest province are not provided with a budget to establish their own constituency offices. Instead, as Deputy Speaker Paula Biggar explains, backbench MLAs must do constituency work and hold meetings in a variety of locations including their offices in the capital buildings, local government-run information access centres, libraries, coffee shops or even in their own homes. Biggar notes that while PEI MLAs are the lowest paid in the country, they tend to be, and are expected to be, the most accessible to constituents.

CPR: Constituency CPR: What sort of alternate arrangements have offices seem to have been made for MLAs who may be doing casework in developed haphazardly their constituency? Do different MLAs have different across Canada over practices? the past 40 to 50 years Biggar: Most MLAs have access to office space and are now well- in their constituency in an already established established in many government site such as a library or Access PEI offices – jurisdictions. Why a single location where the public can access provincial do you think Prince government services, programs and information. Edward Island has MLAs have access to a phone at these places, but no not adopted them for office staff is provided for them. Cabinet Ministers are provincial politics? provided a budget for an Executive Assistant to assist Paula Biggar: with constituent inquiries, however. Some MLAs are Backbench MLAs in provided space in the community free of charge to PEI do not have budgets to run constituency offices. hold office meetings once a week at the local municipal Prince Edward Islanders feel the cost to run an office office. I also hold office hours at an alternate location is not warranted due to accessibility to their local in an office at a government site. On occasion I do have representative. There is somewhat of an expectation constituents come to my home or I meet with them at that the MLA should be available other than just at an a coffee shop. office; for example, constituent meetings take place at Each MLA sets up constituency space to reflect their coffee shops , by phone, at the MLA’s home or at the own area. Backbench MLAs also have an office space constituent’s home. Most MLAs in PEI adhere to these provided at the Capital where our legislature is located expectations of accessibility. and share office space in the Government Members’ Office. For those of us who represent rural areas, these offices are most used when the legislature is in session, while those from Charlottetown tend to use this space as their main office. Each office is generally shared with Paula Biggar, Liberal MLA for District 23 (Tyne Valley- a mix of rural and urban MLAs, so this arrangement Linkletter), was first elected in 2007. In addition to being Deputy works well. Speaker, she is Chair of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Environment, Energy, and Forestry, and sits on Committees for CPR: Are MLAs permitted to use their legislative Public Accounts, Fisheries and Rural Development, Community office expense budgets for work they may need to do and Intergovernmental Affairs, and Legislative Management Committee, as well as the Ministerial Committee for the Island elsewhere (i.e. Renting meeting space, travel within Community Fund. the constituency, expenses from a home office)?

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 5 Biggar: There is no budget provided for backbench CPR: Does the absence of a constituency office in MLAs to travel within the constituency for meetings an MLA’s riding tend to make him/her more likely with constituents or to rent meeting space. There to remain in the capital to work or to focus more is also no budget for backbench MLAs to do any on legislative business as opposed to constituent advertising, sponsor any local event, etc. Any event casework? tickets, donations, or lunches with constituents are a Biggar: The present system generally provides access personal expense which each MLA takes out of their to constituents at a local level to backbench MLAs. own salary. MLAs can expense travel from their However, a travel, advertising, or event budget would ridings to the capital up to five times per month when help make the role of backbench MLAs more equitable we’re not in session and travel can be claimed when we with their cabinet colleagues. Cabinet Ministers have attend meetings for a standing committee. Travel to the access to an operational budget and resources that capital is covered daily if the legislature is in session. assist their constituency. There is a perception by If we stay overnight in the capital during the sitting of local constituents that all PEI MLAs receive the same the session it is at our own expense as a backbencher. benefits as Cabinet Ministers (i.e. a car with agas Office supplies such as stamps, printer paper, and card, meals, etc.). We need to educate the public more. business cards are provided by the Government Generally the public feel that MLAs are overpaid and Members’ Office. they do not give credence to the hours required for an Backbench MLAs are provided with phone and fax MLA to effectively carry out our role or the need to lines at their home and a monthly Internet deduction on have this kind of budget in order to work. their home Internet connection through the Legislative CPR: What could other jurisdictions learn from the Assembly. Each MLA is provided with a cell phone PEI experience when it comes to how MLAs handle and a call package paid by the Government Members’ constituency work and representation? Office, unless they are identified as personal calls. Each month, backbench MLAs must sign the statement sent Biggar: PEI elected officials are the lowest paid in the to government members in regard to use of phone line country. In discussions with other provincial officials at their home office and calls placed to declare nature they are very surprised at the fact that backbench of the call. If the calls are of a personal nature then the MLAs also have no operating budget. Recent events, members have to pay them back. with regard to misuse of funds in other constituencies across Canada, have made it very difficult to move CPR: Federal MPs in PEI have constituency offices. forward as the perception is that these budgets are Is there any cooperation in terms of allowing MLAs misused and parliamentarians are unaccountable for to use this space for provincial work? Do some MLAs their spending. wish to have this system in place provincially? Our MLAs are, notably, the most accessible and the Biggar: There is no affiliation between federal offices expectation for us to be accessible 24/7 is not uncommon and no use of MP office space or other federal offices on PEI. As each jurisdiction has different budgetary by any provincial MLA. Due to the potential to confuse situations I believe governments must all work to be the roles and responsibilities of federal and provincial equitable and fair not only to our constituents but also elected officials I do not think it would be a good idea to our elected officials. to share the same space.

6 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Under One Roof: Federal and Provincial Parliamentarians Share Constituency Office Space

Interview with Gilles Bisson, MPP

MPP Gilles Bisson represents a large Northern Ontario riding. To maximize his access to constituents in geographically dispersed communities he began sharing office space with two of his federal colleagues. In this interview, Bisson describes the many benefits of this arrangement for his constituents and how staff members in each office manage their casework flow.

CPR: How did you when I asked Charlie Angus to run along with Jack first come up with Layton, one of the things I talked to him about was the idea of combining that should he be elected we should put our offices constituency offices together. In fact, he ran on that as part of his platform with these two and it was fairly popular. People understood it was members (Carol a one-stop shop: you came to one door, you got the Hughes and Charlie answers, nobody could pass the buck. Angus)? CPR: Are you aware of other parliamentarians with Gilles Bisson: When similar arrangements? I was elected as a New Bisson: Most people won’t do it for a host of reasons. Democrat in 1990 it First of all, you have to be in the same political party. It seemed to make a lot wouldn’t make sense to share it with a member of the of sense to me to try to opposite party. But there many other reasons which find a way to share space because constituents would come into play. There could be lease arrangements come in the door with an issue and not have an idea of which make it impractical. In other cases there might whether it would be federal or provincial. And what be members who just want to do their own thing. But would often happen is that they came to the provincial there’s not a lot of appetite to do this because it does office, they spent time telling their story and then it take a fair amount of effort on the part of both the would turn out to be a federal issue. And I would have federal and provincial members. And it’s also a bit of to send them down to the federal member’s office. And a task for the staffs as well. So it’s not something most at the time we couldn’t do it because he was locked people would like to do, but it works for us here, it’s into a lease and the space couldn’t accommodate two our brand and people in our constituencies are pretty offices. So I always had it in the back of my head, and used to it. But I think most members would be hard- pressed to do it. CPR: Can you give an example of how this “one stop Gilles Bisson is the House Leader for Ontario’s New Democratic shopping” arrangement has helped constituents? Party. First elected in 1990, the MPP for Timmins-James Bay operates two full-time constituency offices which are shared with Bisson: Just the other night I got a call on my cell NDP MPs Charlie Angus (Timmins-James Bay) and Carol Hughes phone from someone in my northern constituency (Algoma-Manitoulin-Kapuskasing) in Timmins and Kapuskasing, with Carol Hughes. She has an insurance problem and respectively, and holds regular office hours in the communities of a CRA (Canada Revenue Agency) problem. She’s a Hearst, Constance Lake and Smooth Rock Falls.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 7 Photos by André Grzela Photos by Members of the Bisson-Angus Timmins constituency office staff in the boardroom after a team meeting: (from left) Dale Tonelli, federal constituency assistant (CA); Cheryl Counter, volunteer; André Grzela, provincial CA; Tina Chartrand, pro- vincial CA; Sue Cardinal, federal CA; Lise Beaulne, federal CA.

small businessperson and the dogs are coming in on Bisson: Basically we split everything in half. We’ve her and putting her in a position where she’ll probably made arrangements with our service providers to split have to close her business in a couple of weeks if this our bills in half, so one member pays one half and the doesn’t get resolved. So she had both a federal and other member pays the other half. In other cases there provincial issue: the insurance issue was provincial and may be a trade off: one member will pick up a bill for the CRA issue is federal. So this morning I called my something that’s $100 a month and the other will pick staff at my Kapuskasing office to see what we could do up the bill on something else comparable. But most for them. And so, one person will take on the file but service providers have been good in allowing us to deal with both parts of it. Often, the beauty with that split our bills that way. is they’re connected in some way. The CRA issue is CPR: Does this help to keep down costs, or are you connected to the insurance issue, as well, and it’s best able to provide a greater level of service? if the staff person following up with that constituent is familiar with both and versed in both. It just makes it a Bisson: What most people don’t know is that lot easier to deal with. From the constituent’s point of members have not had an increase in their office view you don’t have to waste time telling your story to budgets for years now, especially on the provincial two different offices. And if it comes to a point where side, but also on the federal side. So it allows you to it’s nearing completion and one office is handling it have a bit of savings so that you have a bit of a buffer. differently than another office, it may cause problems It’s allowed us to have a little bit more staff in terms of when it comes to a resolution. This is a fairly powerful reception, but most of it goes into providing a buffer thing for your constituents, but it takes a certain so that you’re able to absorb the increase in hydro amount of work on the part of the staff and members and the increase in everything else going on these to make it work. days. Most of us have multiple offices, especially here in Northern Ontario. It’s not like some downtown CPR: How do you handle the issue of dividing Toronto ridings where you have one constituency expenses between jurisdictions? office. I run two full-time constituency offices, Charlie

8 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 runs two full-time constituency offices, and Carol runs Bisson: Oh yes, everyone has to be on an individual two full-time constituency offices. Plus we have our member’s payroll. But what we try to do is to divvy up clinics on top of that because the ridings are so large. the casework in a way that makes sense. In Kapuskasing Most of the money goes to paying mileage for staff the staff there have resisted strict divisions between to go from Point A to Point B or for cell phones or federal and provincial files, so there is a bit of cross- computers and such. over work there because that’s what they have found works well for them based on the volume of casework. CPR: How do you handle staffing issues? Do you In the Timmins office they prefer a bit more ofa delegate responsibility? Are there times when one MP defined federal-provincial division and that seems to has a heavier workload than another? work well there. So it depends on the individuals. Bisson: I’ve been managing it with Charlie ever CPR: Is this something you’ve talked to other MPs since he was elected – he’s been elected over 10 years and MPPs about in terms of the merits of this system? now – and there’s been some adjustment because my staff were used to doing things in a certain way, and it Bisson: I have talked to people, especially at the took some time to work out a relationship, but we’ve beginning when this was put in place, but also during managed to work it out. And with workload, it balances the last election cycle when some of them approached out. Take my office with me with questions. But Carol Hughes. Over what I’ve said is that it’s there I have two staff “People understood it was a one-stop shop: you not for everyone. If you’re and she has one, so came to one door, you got the answers, nobody a newly elected member obviously my people could pass the buck.” and you’re thinking about are taking on a bit more, ~ Gilles Bisson this there are a number but overall it balances of things you need to out in the end and it consider. First, if there’s depends on the kind of an existing member in the work you do. Generally provincial politics tends to other jurisdiction, are they locked into a lease and if so, touch people more directly than federal politics. We can their office accommodate you and your staff? Not get everything from workers’ compensation, to loan all existing members may necessarily want to team applications to quarry permits because the provincial up. And of course the other member would need to government tends to have much more direct contact be from the same party. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had with people in terms of matters which affect their good working relationships with MPs from another daily lives. party during some of my time in office, but trying to combine office space and sharing staff with someone CPR: When you say that you have two workers in who has a different political philosophy about how that office and Carol Hughes has one, does this mean things should be done would be very difficult, if not you do individual hiring? impossible.

Dale Tonelli and Emilia Duguay, a co-op student from Timmins High School, verify passport applications at the front desk.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 9 CPR: Do you have any final thoughts about this keep each other in the loop. And it also allows us to topic you’d like to share that didn’t come up during easily cover more terrain in our ridings and speak to the course of this interview? matters if the member from another jurisdiction can’t be present. We all get invited to events and we can’t Bisson: I think one of the most positive things about always attend based on work schedules, so this close this setup is that it requires you to have excellent communication allows us to cover off for each other or communication with your colleagues from the other bring some prepared remarks for another member if jurisdiction; so much so that it’s been very beneficial they can’t be present. to know what’s happening elsewhere. We tend to

Top: Volunteers Ed Stecewicz and Cheryl Counter discuss issues of concern in the riding in the main entrance of the office. Bottom: Lise Beaulne on the phone in her office speaking to a constituent.

10 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 A Constituency of Millions: “Elected” Senators Discuss Alternatives to Operating a Province-wide Constituency Office

Interviews with Senator Doug Black and Senator Betty Unger

Unlike Members of Parliament who are elected to well-defined constituencies, it’s unusual for Canadian Senators to operate constituency offices in their efforts to represent their home provinces/regions. Former Senator Bert Brown of Alberta, who was appointed to the Senate after a province-sponsored election process, ran an office in Calgary as a part of his efforts to be an active representative to the people of his province; but in separate interviews with the Canadian Parliamentary Review, two current “elected” Senators from the province, Senators Doug Black and Betty Unger, suggest they prefer to employ alternatives to a stationary physical space in their outreach and consultations.

Senator Doug Black is a complete province, which in the case of Alberta, is just over four million people. As you know we have CPR: Senators do six Senators for four million people. I am an elected not usually have Senator, and I was fortunate that in that election I won constituency offices. 83 or 84 of the 87 (provincial) constituencies in the As an “elected” province. So I have constituents in literally every city, Senator with a direct town and hamlet in Alberta. I take my responsibility mandate from your to be in touch with my constituents seriously, and it’s constituents, do you a daily responsibility in one way or another. So the feel a particular need question becomes, would an office assist that? My to have something like view is no. The whole concept of a physical space is a constituency office to an old paradigm particularly when you’re dealing represent constituents with a province the size of Alberta. Where would I and communicate with locate my office? What I have done is maintain a very them? active website and a very active social media presence. Doug Black: Unlike We are also doing regular online surveys. So we’re a Member of Parliament or a Member of the Legislative asking my constituents what they think and they are Assembly in the respective province, my constituency responding, there’s no doubt about that. I’m always soliciting people’s views. Secondly, I’m in regular touch with the Alberta media and we also have good relationships with the cultural community media. So Senator Doug Black finished in first place in the 2012 Alberta as we’re reaching out to people they know that Senator Senate Nominee Election. Appointed to the Senate on January 25, Black is active. And finally, I maintain an active travel 2013, he is also Senior Counsel at Dentons Canada LLP, a global schedule in Alberta. Just this past weekend I spoke at a law firm, and was named as one of Canada’s 25 most influential French school in Calgary, met with the mayor of Banff, lawyers for 2012 by Canadian Lawyer Magazine. Senator Betty attended the Winter Games, so I’m very active and I’m Unger campaigned as a Reform Party Senate Nominee in 1998 and was elected by Alberta voters in the 2004 Provincial/Senatorial seen to be active and seen to be around. So in terms Election. Appointed to the Senate on January 6, 2012, she founded of outreach I have absolutely no sense that an office and operated a medical services company with offices in Edmonton, would assist that. Red Deer and Calgary.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 11 CPR: Is there anything in place of an office that Certainly in the urban constituencies you can take a would help with this type of outreach? bus. Second, constituents for MPs will reach out to them with their passport problems, their immigration Black: If I could have an individual who worked for problems, their Revenue Canada problems; Senators me whose job was to do daily outreach in the province get less of that. So I think there are strong reasons why that would be fabulous. But that person wouldn’t work a Member of Parliament would want an office. If you from an office; that person would work from a car and live in a constituency you can take the bus, or a car, be moving through Alberta every week. I would love or skateboard and visit your MP’s office – this is not to do that, but there’s no money for it. possible for an elected Senator from a province unless CPR: There has been a lot of discussion about Senate you’re lucky enought to live next door to the strip mall reform recently and debate about the role and purpose where my office would be. of this chamber. Have you talked about this idea for a CPR: Do you have any other final thoughts on this topic? “If I could have an individual who worked Black: The key point for me is connectivity. That’s for me whose job was to do daily outreach what I worry about every day and that’s what my in the province that would be fabulous. But staff worries about every day. How are we connected that person wouldn’t work from an office; and how are we relevant to Albertans? The question that person would work from a car and be then becomes, what tools do we need to maintain this moving through Alberta every week.” connectivity and how do we best deploy them? Do I need a physical office to do this in this particular role? ~Doug Black No, I would say I do it through social media, news media, the cultural media and my travel agenda – and it seems to be working. We track things like social media budget for outreach staff with your colleagues as a part use and my stats on these sites seem to be improving of these discussions? month over month. So that is a good sign. Black: You know, I haven’t talked about that idea, Senator Betty Unger but it is one that I will talk about. But in this current CPR: The Senate does environment the last thing that a Senator is going to get not normally provide is more money. Another option would be to get funding funding for constituency from a think tank or a corporation or organization offices. Are these offices to support that initiative which would be possible, something that Senators potentially. But again, in this particular environment might need? it would be fraught with a little bit of difficulty. I think we have to let waters calm a bit before that discussion. Betty Unger: If Another option would be to use the funds that I have you were going to for my Ottawa office and divert some of them to hire a establish a constituency staff member there. But that would not be very helpful office then funding is because the job that I have to do is here in Ottawa, so I definitely something need the staff I have here with me. you would need: for rent, for phones, for a CPR: Your colleagues in the House of Commons staff person. Although I haven’t used all my budget, do have constituency offices, and sometimes they a second office would make a significant dent inmy have more than one. In your discussions with them, budget. have there been any broader discussions about these institutions as access points to government and CPR: As a Senator who was selected as a provincial whether they need any reforms? nominee through an electoral process, is a constituency office something that you would need to make contact Black: I come to my perspective as a Senator, but the with the people you represent? role of a Member of the House of Commons is much different. First, the geographic area they represent Unger: In my two years in the Senate, there hasn’t is much smaller. Even in parts of Alberta where been a request for which I’ve said ‘Oh gee, I wish I constituencies are larger, you can drive from one end would have had an office so I could have dealt with this’. to another in half a day. So you can manage to travel. When I’m at home I attend as many public events as

12 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 possible, right across the province, to meet with people. CPR: Your colleagues in the House of Commons do If someone says they’d like to talk to me I often suggest have constituency offices. In your conversations with coffee and usually that’s a good option. So from time to them has there ever been discussion about this aspect of time I meet with people at a mutually agreeable place their work? Is there a sense there needs to be a broader and sometimes these coffee meetings can be as long as examination of these access points to government or two and a half to three hours! I can also suggest lunch have they developed in a way that works well enough appointments from time to time, if it is appropriate. But as is? not having a constituency office has not been an issue. The best example I could give you was in 2012 when Senators were each given 30 Diamond Jubilee medals “In my two years in the Senate, there hasn’t to present. I had a small panel of people at home in been a request for which I’ve said ‘Oh gee, I Edmonton who were receiving all the applications wish I would have had an office so I could and processing them. I would consult with them from have dealt with this.” here (Ottawa) or when I went home we would have ~Betty Unger meetings. One of the people on the panel works for a company that has a small boardroom which became the logical place to meet because it was convenient for all of us. We went through the entire process, which stretched Unger: Your question reminded me of another over the summer, and there was no need for me to have option. I know my own MP very well, and that pre- a constituency office. Again, it wasn’t an issue. dates me being named to the Senate. Arranging a meeting in his office would probably be another option. CPR: So a permanent office is not needed as long as In addition, during the summer, we (the Conservative you have a budget for travel and an office in Ottawa for Party of Canada) have an Alberta caucus and coordination? Edmonton caucus. In these caucuses, we discuss local Unger: Yes. And I also live about two and a half issues and people will be invited or will ask to come in blocks from the Alberta legislature. I have an office at to give presentations which are always excellent: two home in Edmonton from which I make and receive examples are the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce telephone calls which works well. or Edmonton Economic Development. And this is another way to communicate with Albertans. If people CPR: As an “elected” Senator, do you feel as though ask to meet with me, occasionally, conversations are you have a particular mandate that requires you to held at the conclusion of a previous meeting or another meet and keep in touch with constituents that unelected time is scheduled at their convenience. Senators do not, or are your appointed colleagues also keeping similar schedules in terms of going to CPR: Is there anything about this topic that we events and meeting with people they represent in their haven’t covered that you’d like to add? regions? Unger: I was elected in 2004 when Alberta had three Unger: Well, I honestly don’t want to comment for vacancies at the time. Prime Minister Paul Martin did the unelected Alberta Senators. But for example, last not acknowledge Alberta’s elections and he did his own September, the University of Alberta was having a thing. Previously, as a Registered Nurse, I had founded degree presentation to graduates of the Department of and managed a medical services business for 25 years - Engineering and Senator Claudette Tardif and I were with offices in Edmonton, Red Deer and Calgary. Had invited to be presenters at the ceremony. That was I been appointed to the Senate then, having offices the only request where I was asked to attend an event in Alberta would not have been of concern because I with another Senator. I do travel around the province would have used those existing offices. However, I still to attend events and to meet with as many people as don’t see a need for a permanent constituency office possible. I tend to focus more on Red Deer and northern and to this point I haven’t experienced a time where Alberta as my territory because the other two (“elected”) that’s been an issue. Senators are from Calgary and southern Alberta.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 13 “The People’s Office”: Constituency Offices in the Far North

Roundtable with Michael Nadli, MLA, Frederick (Sonny) Blake Jr., MLA, and Kevin Menicoche, MLA

In this roundtable discussion, three MLAs from rural/northern parts of the Northwest Territories reflect on the unique challenges parliamentarians face when doing constituency work in remote communities. They explain that offices often tailor themselves to the needs of the community. For MLAs, an office helps to create work/life balance, offers a source of much-needed local employment, and provides an additional connection to the seat of government. They are also the office of last appeal for constituents frustrated by bureaucratic decisions.

Michael Nadli Frederick (Sonny) Blake Jr. Kevin Menicoche

CPR: When you represent a geographically vast district, how do you decide where to set up your Michael M. Nadli (MLA Deh Cho), served as Grand Chief of Deh Cho First Nations from August 1997 to June 2003. First elected constituency office(s)? How do you balance where you to the Legislative Assembly in 2011, he is the Chair of Standing spend your time? Committee on Government Operations. Frederick (Sonny) Blake Jr. (MLA Mackenzie Delta) served as the Chief and Mayor of Menicoche: It just so happens that the largest Tsiigehtchic for two terms from 2007 to 2011. Since becoming community in my riding is my home community of an MLA in 2011 he has served as Deputy Chair of the Standing Fort Simpson and that’s where I have my constituency Committee on Economic Development and Infrastructure. Kevin office. I often conduct three full tours of the communities Menicoche (MLA Nahendeh) was first elected in 2003 and re- and have a public meeting when I’m there. I do elected in 2007 and 2011. He is a past Chair of the Standing Committee on Government Operations. three trips per year. In between, the ministers travel

14 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 to the communities once or twice a year. It’s all part and speak to them on a one-to-one basis. In fact, one of the consensus style of government. Each of these of the things I find with our Aboriginal constituents communities has a chief, two of mine have mayors, is that they’re not ones to use email or phone calls or and two have Métis presidents. I’m dealing with 10 letters. They’d rather wait for you to visit and then tell elected officials. In a more central riding like Hay River you what their needs or their concerns are. Often they’ll or Inuvik you’re dealing with one mayor, potentially a say, “Oh, I was waiting for you to show up because I Grand Chief and one Métis organization. had this thing going on.” It’s interesting. Nadli: I represent four communities with the CPR: Are there guidelines for establishing these farthest being about two and a half hours away by offices? How did you decide what type of staff you vehicle. The closest community is a 45-minute ride. needed and what types of services you would provide? When not in session or doing committee work, I spend Nadli: Constituency Offices are established to ensure the majority of my time in my home community so it the MLA’s presence in the community and riding. The was logical for me to set up a constituency office in my design is at the discretion of the MLA, but we must follow community. I also established a part-time office in the policies and procedures of the Legislative Assembly. farthest community. When I travel to the communities As I am not always in my office, it was important to of my riding, I start with have an experienced the farthest community. office worker and Blake: What I decided independent person as to do when elected was “Having physical space and an office is Constituency Assistant have an office in Fort important, to not only separate your home and (CA). A prerequisite was McPherson because it is work life, but to contribute to the local economy understanding the local the largest community. by renting office space and creating the position language of Deh Gah The office had always Got’ie Dene. Our office been there and people of a CA. Most northern communities have about strives to be a place that appreciate that. I’m from 40 per cent unemployment. ” the public can visit, to Tsiigehtchic and there ~ Michael Nadli assist constituents with was a thought that I’d their concerns or issues, move it there. A lot of and also to support elders stop by every communities in their few days to see what’s happening or if they have any events and functions. concerns. Because we’re in Yellowknife for an average Blake: You have to have someone in the office who of 100 days a year, I spend as much time at home with is able to work with everyone. It can be challenging in my family as I can. During the summer we have a lot some of our smaller communities. I kept the CA for of time to travel in our constituency. So I spend a lot of the former MLA. She also helped me when I ran for time in Fort McPherson and I attend a lot of events there MLA, so it worked out pretty well. She’s easy-going and in the community of Aklavik. We have jamborees and knows pretty much the whole community, so that during Christmas and feasts and I also contribute to helps out a lot. Because we have smaller communities those feasts. We have to watch our budget and since I we tend to know more people in the communities we have to fly in to Aklavik, I really have to get my timing represent. And that really helps a lot too. on there; though in the winter we can drive in and that helps a lot. Also, they have a gathering at the Beaufort Menicoche: There are no specific guidelines, but we Sea once a year. I went there last year and I was really do have to work within our budget. I have someone happy with that. on staff in the smaller communities as the community contact person, but having a central constituency office CPR: When you travel to communities that don’t with a knowledgable CA is important. have an office, where do you meet with constituents? Blake: Similar to what Kevin mentioned, because Blake: We usually have an arena or a hall that we I only represent three communities I have a contact can use. person in the community. I can only pay $500 a month, Menicoche: Even though they’re small, all our but they’re happy with that because it’s a part-time job. communities have an arena or hall or band office with If anything comes up in the community, they let me meeting facilities. And before the meeting or after the know. If people have concerns, they’ll sit down with meeting we’ll visit the elders in their homes or yards them.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 15 CPR: Parliamentarians representing urban districts CPR: Compared to your urban counterparts, can usually establish an office that is easy to access are constituency offices and staff more difficult to for their constituents. As an MLA representing a rural maintain? area, do you find that having a physical space from Nadli: The supply of office space is limited in rural which to work in your riding is less important than communities. access to a travel budget to visit various communities in it? Is more work handled by phone or email than Blake: And one of the things our constituents would by physically meeting with constituents? Are physical like to see are more offices, possibly one for each offices still a necessity? community, but there’s no money for that. We get a budget of roughly $90,000 and if that were to double Nadli: Having physical space and an office is we could make things easier for our constituents by important, to not only separate your home and work life, setting up more offices. That’s one thing the people in but to contribute to the local economy by renting office our communities would like to see – a place in their space and creating the position of a CA. Most northern own community for them to stop in. communities have about 40 per cent unemployment. Depending on the nature of constituent concerns, it CPR: In many other jurisdictions which have is better to discuss matters in person rather than by partisan systems, when individual MLAs/MPs leave phone or email. For these reasons, I believe a physical office they do not pass along casework/records to office is a necessity. their successors, and unless their replacement belongs to the same party the previous staff is replaced. In Menicoche: The legislature has set it up that they’ll the Northwest Territories’ non-partisan form of pay for up to five trips to each community per year and government, when one MLA is defeated or retires, is that’s not part of constituency budget, so we have lots there more of a tradition of keeping previous staff or of opportunity to travel to meet with people in person. providing information and casework to the incoming CPR: Do staff member? in rural/northern Nadli: This is my constituency offices first term and I haven’t tend to have a “...[O]ne of the things I find with our Aboriginal experienced a ‘passing of noticeably different constituents is that they’re not ones to use email the torch’ kind of transition, caseload than their or phone calls or letters. They’d rather wait for where the victor and loser urban counterparts? you to visit and then tell you what their needs or of the election share files Are the issues or maintain a tradition of generally the same or their concerns are. Often they’ll say, ‘Oh, I was keeping previous staff. are their unique issues waiting for you to show up because I had this in rural and northern thing going on.’” Blake: I think it varies areas that your offices ~ Kevin Menicoche with each MLA. The encounter? former MLA in my riding, who retired after 16 years, Blake: I think really helped out quite a bit we have a lot more and gave me a heads’ up about what was happening. casework in our communities because we have a 35 per One of the beautiful things about the consensus style cent unemployment rate. Also, the facilities we have in of government is that we have a research staff here our communities are not what they have in the larger and all the information that the former MLAs have communities, so the demand, whether it’s health or gone through is compiled in our research library. Any education, is higher. There’s a lot more pressure on our information is available to us. smaller communities because the service level is less. Menicoche: The constituents like dealing with Menicoche: I tend to concur. One of the things we knowledgeable CAs, so it helps if they are well-briefed. share is the difficulty in getting nurses to our smaller communities, and MLAs representing larger centres CPR: How do people in your ridings tend to see probably wouldn’t have that. these offices? Are they the central way to access government services? Are they places to go when Blake: Another issue is the RCMP, along with they have difficulty with the bureaucracy? Are they the nurses. We have communities without RCMP tangible symbols of the distant seat of the territorial detachments which means our residents have to be the government? first responders. It puts a lot of pressure on them.

16 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Nadli: I believe people in my riding view our people contact my office because they feel that the office as a place to go when they need help with their MLAs in the Northwest Territories are the appeal concerns. “The MLA’s office” is a common remark that guys. “The government denied me this or that, what I hear, referencing our office situated downstairs in a can I do about it? I’m appealing to you because I tried local government building. There is also a Government working with the bureaucracy or the regional manager Services Office which is a supposed to be a one-stop and I didn’t get the answer I want.” We’re seen as the shop for guiding the public through the various appeal person – the office of last resort. I tell them services provided by government. I think our office that sometimes the answer is still no, but as an MLA takes on the role of ombudsman from time to time. I I’ll follow through for them. What I find is that when prefer to view our constituency office as “the people’s people aren’t getting answers, they don’t know what office.” to do next. If they get a ‘yes’ the process continues, if they get a ‘no’ they know what to do, but at least give Blake: To add to what Michael said, the government them an answer. has recently created Government Service Offices in our communities and CPR: Do you have I am very fortunate to any concluding thoughts have two of these in “One of the things our constituents would like about particular issues or the three communities to see are more offices, possibly one for each challenges northern/rural I represent and soon community, but there’s no money for that. We MLAs face when doing there will be a third. constituency work? That will be very get a budget of roughly $90,000 and if that were Blake: I think one of helpful for a lot of to double we could make things easier for our the issues our smaller our constituents to constituents by setting up more offices.” communities face is when help with filling out ~ Frederick (Sonny) Blake Jr. people are about to get forms for subsidies evicted. That comes up or other programs in a lot of our ridings. We and services. But my are pretty much their last constituency office doors are always open to help with resort. A lot of times the ministers are flexible and any of these things too. tend to give the person one more opportunity to get Menicoche: Michael and Sonny mentioned the into a payment plan. They really appreciate the help government service workers. They’re part-time in they receive from their MLAs and ministers in that the small communities, but they are able to address situation. Otherwise they find themselves homeless or some of the concerns constituents have in addressing living with family members. I think that’s one of the government services or filling out forms. A lot of biggest challenges of our smaller communities.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 17 British Columbia Reaches a New Benchmark for Women’s Representation

Hon. Linda Reid, MLA

With 36 per cent of its MLAs now women, British Columbia currently has the highest proportion of women parliamentarians in Canada. Moreover, women hold key decision-making positions in the province as Lieutenant Governor, Premier and Speaker. While celebrating these milestones, in this article, B.C. Speaker Linda Reid warns against complacency and urges parliamentarians across Canada and the Commonwealth to continue implementing changes designed to facilitate a level playing field for women interested in political life. She provides several examples of innovations which have contributed to the province’s success at bolstering the number of women representatives and improving the quality of their work life in politics.

he importance of increase in the proportion of women elected over the ensuring equal previous parliament and the highest number of women Trepresentation ever elected to hold provincial office in B.C. Thirty of of women in politics the 85 total seats were won by women – five more seats has been a recurrent than in the previous general election. The by-election theme in recent victory of Premier Christy Clark in July 2013 increased issues of the Canadian that number to 31. Parliamentary Review. With 36 per cent of its MLAs now women, BC Parliamentarians have currently has the highest proportion of women reflected on their parliamentarians in Canada. The province is now well experiences in public above the United Nations’ minimum threshold of 30 life, and stressed the per cent for women as a group to exert a meaningful importance of women influence in legislative assemblies. In addition, BC participating in political decision-making processes. also now surpasses the Commonwealth Parliamentary Women care about different issues and offer important Association’s threshold of 33 percent for women to perspectives and experiences. Furthermore, research become a critical mass and to have influence. shows that gender balance in politics results in well-rounded policies and better organizational In addition to holding a significant percentage of performance. seats, BC women hold notable positions in decision- making roles. For example, our Premier, seven of the 19 Notable advances in women’s representation have members of the executive council, and the Lieutenant been made in British Columbia in recent years. The Governor are women. In addition, several Opposition May 2013 provincial general election saw a significant critics are female, as was the Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2010. I am proud to serve as the province’s fourth female Speaker and the first since 1994. For the first time in our provincial history, the positions of Lieutenant Governor, Premier, and Speaker are held Linda Reid is Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia. She will become chair of the Commonwealth Women by women. Parliamentarians, Canadian Section, in 2014.

18 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 While we have surpassed some notable milestones no Friday sittings. Some weeks during the session are in BC, we must not be complacent in wider efforts to also set aside for working in the constituency. This increase women’s participation in political life. Much has made it much easier for women to balance their work remains to increase women’s representation, responsibilities as an MLA with those of their family. both nationally and abroad. Despite some provinces During my time in office, I have seen the benefits making great strides in recent years, Canada remains that even seemingly minor changes can make for ranked 54th on the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s women entering politics. For me, the decision to allow “Women in National Parliaments” list, and trails other women to take maternity leave without penalty when governments in Europe, parts of Africa, and Australia. the House is sitting was a godsend. It meant that when How can we attain more proportional representation I gave birth to my son, I was able to take four weeks off, for women to ensure we serve society’s interests more rather than a mere four days, as was the case with my fully? Are there changes we can make to our political daughter. Other physical changes to the parliamentary institutions to achieve this end? What lessons might be buildings can also have an indirect impact. For example, learned from recent successes in BC? These are some of providing more women’s washrooms and improving the questions I ponder as Speaker and as Vice-Chair of barrier-free access for persons with disabilities has the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians. benefitted women working in our precinct. BCnow has three MLAs who use wheelchairs for mobility, two Some of the options to increase female representation of whom are women. have been well-documented in the CPR and elsewhere. Actively encouraging women to consider running for Another factor I’d like to stress is the important office, particularly in winnable ridings, is an obvious role that mentorship can play for women, particularly first step. Establishing those new to political rules to keep campaign life. Entering the spending limits within “As an MLA for 23 years, my experience has been world of politics can reasonable amounts that pursuing women-friendly initiatives in the be daunting for any will also ensure a person, and experienced level playing field for workplace can have a significant impact. Indeed, parliamentarians can women to run. Other we need to ensure that our work environment play a key role in targeted actions could is conducive to both attracting and retaining mentoring newer include providing women.” colleagues, whether in specific funding to assist ~ Linda Reid the form of advice or women candidates with support. For instance, expenses such as child in my earlier role as care, and supporting Deputy Speaker, I hosted efforts of non-partisan advocacy groups that work to monthly lunches with women MLAs from both sides support women and raise awareness. Electoral reforms of the House to discuss relevant issues. After becoming could possibly achieve the broader goal of parity of Speaker, I invited new women MLAs for lunch and a women’s representation. These are but some of many discussion on safety and security issues. Providing ways to encourage and facilitate the entry of women time and common ground to meet with other women, into political life. regardless of their political affiliation, is something I cherish and will continue. As an MLA for 23 years, my experience has been that pursuing women-friendly initiatives in the workplace According to a recent study in the United States, can have a significant impact. Indeed, we need to men are more than twice as likely as women to ensure that our work environment is conducive to have thought about running for political office. This both attracting and retaining women. For example, thinking needs to change. As Hillary Rodham Clinton adopting a parliamentary schedule and sitting times once said, “There cannot be true democracy unless that recognize the need for work-life balance provides women’s voices are heard.” I agree with this principle stability and predictability of working hours. In BC, we wholeheartedly, and I hope that a time will come have had a parliamentary calendar with fixed sitting when women will make up at least half of all elected days for several years. Rather than a session called at members and Cabinet. Narrowing the gender gap, a moment’s notice and daily sittings that extend late however, will require a joint and concerted effort by into the night, we have scheduled sitting days, and both women and men.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 19 Experiential Learning in the Constituency Office: Educational Innovation at Ryerson University

Patrice Dutil

In 2013, some senior undergraduate students in the Department of Politics and Public Administration at Ryerson University were given the opportunity to be the first class to enroll in an innovative course called the Constituency Office Project. Pairing each student with a Member of Parliament or Member of Provincial Parliament in the Greater Toronto Area, the course allowed students to experience the practical application of political theories they had learned in the classroom. In this article Patrice Dutil outlines the steps taken to set up the course, lists some of its scholastic resources, and shares the feedback he received from the first participants.

he Ryerson University Department of Politics on how to deliver the experience, but these pioneering and Public Administration has developed and efforts have paid off, not least in exposing students to Timplemented an innovative learning experience some of the real work of elected officials and in allowing for its senior students. Working with Members of them to discover what has become an important part Parliament and Members of the Provincial Parliament of Canada’s working democracy. in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), the department Constituency offices in many areas of Canada developed a credit course that includes 80 hours of already host students, but the initiative mostly comes work in a constituency office, as well as additional from social work faculties who wish to give students research projects. The course has rapidly become experience in assisting citizens. (It is worth noting that a keystone in the department’s curriculum – an in some larger cities, urban planning and geography educational innovation that could set a new standard departments also place students in municipal in political science education across the country. councillors’ offices.) The assignment makes sense, but The purpose of this project is to provide students these students also have the general option to complete insights on the applied aspects of what is involved their internship in any agency devoted to social work. in representing constituents, delivering front-line In fact, social work students are not required to take customer service, and helping the public navigate political science as part of their curriculum, so their through government departments. The Constituency work in the constituency office is focused entirely on Office Project course has so far proven to be a worthy its social work dimension. The internship is typically a initiative that is reproducible, with some tailoring, requirement to graduate, but it is not a credited course. across the land. Improvements continue to be made For Ryerson Politics students, this senior-level course is an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and to bridge the gap between the theory and skills Patrice Dutil is a professor in Ryerson University’s Department learned in the classroom and the real work world of Politics and Public Administration and the Yeates School of parliamentarians and their vitally important of Graduate Studies. A former Acting Executive Director and constituency staffs. The result has been an important Director of Research at the Institute of Public Administration of success for the three partners involved. The students Canada (IPAC), he is the President of the Champlain Society and was the director of the “Parliament-to-Campus” program of the have reported immense satisfaction in their course Canadian Association of Former Parliamentarians from 2008 to evaluations and earned a credit for their work and 2013.

20 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Photos by Albert Besteman Photos by Ryerson students were placed in GTA constituency offices belonging to MPs and MPPs from various political parties, including (from left) Bernard Trottier, MP, Glen Murray, MPP, (next page) Carolyn Bennett, MP,Andrew Cash, MP, Jonah Schein, MPP and Ted Opitz, MP.

study, the constituency offices received some help, done on a first-come, first-served basis for the highly and Ryerson University has formed a new outreach popular downtown ridings. In some cases students mechanism to help graduating students bridge the gap asked for ridings that were outside the GTA because between university life and the real world of work. they lived in residence but typically returned home for the weekend. This was also accommodated. How it Works In mid-December, after the matching exercise Though the course is taught exclusively in the has been completed, the students are called to an Winter term, the process involves the professor from orientation session with the instructor. The event the beginning of the academic year. At that point, the features key instructions, reminders and tips, as well instructor reaches out to the parliamentarians in the as presentations from constituency office professional GTA to solicit their interest. The response to our first staff and former students. inquiries was overwhelmingly positive with over 50 offices responding The course starts affirmatively that they with the Winter term would host a student. as students report to The purpose of this project is to provide students the constituency office In late October, the insights on the applied aspects of what is and begin their work department announces involved in representing constituents, delivering assignment. They must to its senior students front-line customer service, and helping the work eight hours a week that the course will over a 10-week period proceed as planned. The public navigate through government departments. from the first week of students must apply and January until the end indicate their choice of of March. Though riding but are strongly many students volunteered more hours, the course encouraged to seek their work experience in their home requirement is 80 hours. constituency if possible. They are asked to identify any party preference (this has not proven to be an issue as Working alongside office staff, students developed less than five percent of students declared a partisan an immediate feel for the connection between the bias and were easily accommodated by Toronto’s mix theoretical discussions they have experienced in of Liberal, New Democrat and Conservative MPs and their studies and the work undertaken by elected MPPs). Because Ryerson University attracts students representatives. The student could assist in a wide from every corner of the GTA, the matching effort range of tasks, including but not limited to: strategic has proven relatively easy, though many students communications; stakeholder relations; media expressed the desire to work in a downtown Toronto relations; community outreach; event planning; office constituency office, within easy reach of campus. Only administration and budgeting; data management; one student was assigned per office, and the match was correspondence; and assisting with case work.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 21 Students must also fulfill academic requirements; Given the strong multicultural dimension of the there were two assignments in the term. The first Ryerson University student body, the class was also required the submitting of a journal which recorded exposed to some notable constituency research from their reflections on the work performed each day. The around the world. students were given a reading list consisting of academic In examining the British experience, for example, articles on constituency offices in Westminster systems students were asked to consider Ron Johnston and and asked to reflect on how the insights offered by the Charles Pattie’s, “MPs Expenditure and General Election research matched the lived realities. Campaigns: Do Incumbents Benefit from Contacting The research on the work and role of constituency their Constituents?” (Political Studies, 2009) and Charles offices is not particularly rich in Canada. The list Pattie’s “Still Talking, But is Anyone Listening? The includes Peter MacLeod’s indispensable “How to Changing Face of Constituency Campaigning in Britain, Organize an Effective Constituency Office” (Canadian 1997-2005” (Party Politics, 2009) while they worked. Parliamentary Review, 2006) and Royce Koop’s recent “Party Constituency Associations and the Service, The impact of constituency work in other European Policy and Symbolic Responsiveness of Canadian countries was also considered in Eimear O’Leary’s, “The Members of Parliament” (Canadian Journal of Political Constituency Orientation of Modern TDs” (Irish Political Science, 2012) as well as Sue Thomas’s “The Effects of Studies, 2011), Audrey Aube et al’s “Belgian Affairs Race and Gender on Constituency Service” (Western and constituent preferences for ‘good constituency Political Quarterly, 1992) and Pippa Norris’s “The Puzzle members’” (Acta Politica, 2012), as well as in Yasushi of Constituency Service” (The Journal of Legislative Hazama’s “Constituency Service in Turkey: A Survey Studies, 1997). on MPs” (European Journal of Turkish Studies, 2005) and Donley Studlar and Ian McAllister’s, “Constituency The list also features some classics, such as R. K. Activity and Representational Roles among Australian Carty’s, Canadian Political Parties in the Constituencies Legislators” (The Journal of Politics, 1996). (Research Studies of the Royal Commission on Electoral Reform and Party Financing, 1991), Harold D. Clarke et The readings also serve to orient the students in their al’s “Constituency Service among Canadian Provincial final assignment, a research paper related to an aspect Legislators: Basic Findings and a Test of Three of the work of the constituency office in which they Hypotheses” (Canadian Journal of Political Science, 1975), were interns. C.E.S. Franks’s study, “Members and Constituency The Final Research Paper Roles in the Canadian Federal System” (Regional and Federal Studies, 2007), Eagle Munroe’s “The Political The final paper of about 25 pages in which students Ecology of Representation in English Canada: MPs documented an aspect of constituency office work was and their Constituencies” (American Review of Canadian a key deliverable. Subjects varied widely, but capture Studies, 1998) and John Halligan et al’s, “Constituency the broad range of interest that was engendered in the Service among Sub-national Legislators in Australia minds of the students. and Canada” (Legislative Studies Quarterly, 1988) to Quite a few papers stood out in terms of investigating name a few. how small constituency offices managed service to a

22 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 clientele that varied enormously in terms of ethnicity, part of the seminar and shared his own insights on the language, experience and familiarity with Canadian work of constituency offices and their links with the affairs. A number of students analyzed the Member politics of the ridings. of Parliament’s private bills and documented how Assessment these initiatives were (or were not!) tied to the riding’s concerns. Many students in the downtown Toronto The project has been a success on many levels. area saw firsthand how immigration issues dominated One student was hired by her constituency office the time and energy of the office staff and examined upon graduation. Many have decided to continue various aspects of this challenge. One student focused to volunteer, and all have expressed how impressed on the “blockages” in Immigration Canada, while the they were with this part of Canadian democracy they other documented the “troubleshooter” practices of were completely unfamiliar with. As one student put one office that was particularly adept at tackling what it, “this experience has taught me as much as several appeared to be lost causes. other courses combined because actually being there and participating in cases gave me a clear view of life Many students were deeply impressed by the and career in government.” Another student noted that outreach strategies, analyzing how harried members of the experience “shaped my views on politics. Instead parliament make the most of weekend time to connect of focusing on the actions of government from the top, with constituents of all sorts. One particularly observant I will be more aware of student compared the the effects of policies “branding” practices of on the ground.” As one constituency offices as student put it, “I don’t they worked within the “This experience has taught me as much as think it shaped my views rules of the Government several other courses combined because actually on politics in general; I of Canada that aim being there and participating in cases gave me a think it gave me a real to make constituency clear view of life and career in government.” perspective on the work offices partisan-neutral an MP does and how outreaches designed to ~ comment from a student course evaluation time consuming it can serve all of Canada’s be.” residents, regardless of how they voted. Many There were hits and students examined the motivations and histories of misses. One student excitedly wrote that he had met the staff they worked with. One student memorably the prime minister at an event after only a few weeks on conducted a poll to document the degree to which the the job, something he could not have imagined before. riding’s inhabitants were actually aware that there The students who had an opportunity to accompany even existed a constituency office! the Member of Parliament at events really appreciated the experience. There were some disappointments, The students were reunited at a class seminar at nevertheless. Many students reported that the office the end of the term and each delivered a short verbal was not very busy and that their talents did not find presentation on their research. A former MPP attended

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 23 as many outlets as they would have expected. One 3. Volunteer to do research on local issues and write student spoke for a few when he put it baldly: “the briefing notes. This is on the assumption that “there is office didn’t know what to do with me.” We think this always something going on.” More “intelligence” has never hurt anyone and, as students of politics, they have problem can be resolved with better communication been trained to track issues. with the staff in the constituency office. 4. Be a reflective practitioner. The idea is to be mindful Keys to Success of the context (physical, political, personal) of the Constituency Office. How do political ideas translate In a placement situation, success depends to some themselves through the actions of the staff, and of the degree on the host/office but mostly on the students. elected member for the riding? They were encouraged to: 5. Keep the daily journal up-to-date by taking a few minutes at the end of the shift to note key activities and 1. Think politically—and to remember that they were reflections in light of the scholarly material presented in there as political scientists, not social workers. They were the course. encouraged to think about what they could do to help the MPP or MP improve his/her connection to the community Asked whether they would recommend taking this or understanding of the politics of the riding. course to their friends, the response was a unanimous 2. Volunteer for outreach. There is always something “yes”. Many recommended that the course be doubled to do in efforts to get a politician better known ina in length to encompass the two terms of the academic community. Students were encouraged to volunteer to create lists of contacts, posters, brochures, mail-outs year, but many equally complained that the course was (householders), website improvements, etc. Because too demanding in terms of time and effort. Innovation many offices have a designated “outreach coordinator,” in teaching politics can be demonstrated, but some this was a key fit. things do not change.

24 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Perceptions and Performance: How Do MPs Shape Up?

Elisabeth Gidengil and Heather Bastedo

Drawing from several chapters contained in Canadian Democracy from the Ground Up: Perceptions and Performance, in this article Elisabeth Gidengil and Heather Bastedo examine citizens’ evaluations of their elected representatives and assess several key aspects of MPs’ performance in light of these evaluations. Noting some possible reasons for a disjuncture between citizens’ perceptions of MPs and how MPs perform their representational roles, the authors suggest some possible avenues for improving MPs’ public image.

atisfaction with the way democracy works Public Perceptions in Canada lags behind a number of other Figure 1 presents Canadians’ evaluations of MPs on established democracies. In fact, only a bare S a variety of dimensions.3 We can see that MPs receive majority of Canadians (55 per cent) are satisfied particularly poor ratings (4.2) when it comes to putting with the country’s democratic performance, placing constituents’ interests ahead of their own. They fare Canada in 11th place among 20 countries in which the only a little better for dealing with the problems of same question was posed.1 Moreover, dissatisfaction individual constituents (4.4), representing the views with the way democracy works in Canada has grown of their constituents (4.5) and staying in touch with in recent years. Canadians appear to be particularly constituents and local groups (4.8). These are harsh displeased with the performance of their MPs.2 But is judgments. Many Canadians seem to view MPs as self- their dissatisfaction warranted? serving and as failing in their role as representatives of Borrowing from several chapters contained in their constituencies. Equally concerning is the failing Canadian Democracy from the Ground Up: Perceptions and grade for holding the government to account (4.4). Performance, we examine citizens’ evaluations of their Evaluations are somewhat more positive when it comes elected representatives and assess several key aspects to MPs’ performance with respect to debating and of MPs’ performance in light of these evaluations. We voting on issues in the House of Commons (5.3) and also explore some possible reasons for a disjuncture representing their party’s views (6.1), but as Rudermen between citizens’ perceptions of MPs and how MPs points out, these tasks are relatively removed from the perform their representational roles. We end by day-to-day lives of constituents.4 suggesting some possible avenues for improving MPs’ Another widespread perception is that those elected public image. to Parliament fail to keep most of their promises. This was evident when the survey respondents were asked to rate Canada’s performance on various attributes. Dr. Elisabeth Gidengil is Hiram Mills Professor and Director Promise-keeping received one of the lowest scores (5.0) of the Centre for the Study of Democratic Citizenship at McGill on a zero to 10 scale; only the items asking about the University. She was co-investigator for the Canadian Election honesty of government officials (4.8) and corruption Study in 1993, 1997, 2000, 2004 and principal investigator in 2008. in politics (4.5) received lower scores.5 Parliament Dr. Heather Bastedo is the Skelton-Clark Post-Doctoral Fellow at Queen’s University. Her current research explores the psychology itself received a bare pass (5.6) when it came to being of youth voter engagement and democratic representation. Their representative of Canadian society. Moreover, a co-authored book, Canadian Democracy from the Ground Up: majority of respondents (56 per cent) were dissatisfied Perceptions and Performance, will be published by the University with the way MPs in Canada are doing their job. of Washington Press in August 2014.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 25 Figure 1: MPs’ Report Card

Note: The bars indicate respondents’ average rating on a zero to 10 scale. The number of cases varies between 1,479 and 1,547, depending on the item.

Source: Samara Citizens’ Survey.

Comparing Perceptions and Performance the interest of, those who elected them.7 Substantive representation is much harder to quantify than How justified are these negative perceptions? descriptive representation but we can gain some The lacklustre grades for whether parliament insights from a comparison of Canadians’ policy is representative are warranted – at least from priorities, as expressed in opinion polls, and those of the perspective of descriptive representation. parliament as expressed in debates. Descriptive representation is achieved when elected representatives resemble those whom they represent.6 To do so, Blidook combined survey data with a The Canadian parliament falls far short of mirroring content analysis of Question Period, Standing Order 31 the electorate. The proportion of women, Aboriginals, Member Statements, and legislative debates in order immigrants, visible minorities, and young people to evaluate the extent to which MPs’ statements reflect in Parliament has historically lagged far behind the public’s priorities and respond to changes in those their presence in the population. However, the 41st priorities.8 The results suggest that public perceptions Parliament did come closer to reflecting the diversity that MPs are out of touch and unresponsive to of Canadian society. Moreover, the numerical public concerns are unduly harsh.9 Certainly, there underrepresentation of women, Aboriginals, visible were some notable divergences between public and minorities and immigrants was to some extent offset parliamentary priorities. Some of these divergences by prime ministerial appointments. Nonetheless, were understandable. Health care is a public priority these groups remained underrepresented in most but it falls primarily within provincial jurisdiction. parliamentary positions. Conversely, trade is not on Canadians’ minds but given its importance to Canada’s well-being, it is of Descriptively accurate representation, of course, concern to parliament. It is more difficult to justify is no guarantee that Parliament will be responsive. the divergence on crime. However, there were also Conversely, Parliament may be responsive even if it issues, such as labour and employment and the fails to mirror the electorate. From the perspective of economy, taxes and fiscal matters where public and substantive representation, elected representatives parliamentary priorities were fairly closely aligned. are responsive to the extent that they act for, and in

26 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 The notion of “acting for” constituents is ambiguous: a few were skeptical of the notion that MPs enjoy this should MPs feel bound by the wishes and opinions work and spend a lot of time on it, which is important of their constituents or should they act as trustees to note. The extent and nature of constituency service who do what they believe to be in their constituents’ varied considerably depending on whether the MP had best interests? There is no easy answer to this age-old represented a rural constituency or an urban one. A question. Eagles and his colleagues employ Samara’s Winnipeg MP also observed that constituency service exit interviews with 79 former MPs, conducted in was particularly important for “… MPs coming from partnership with the Canadian Association of Former seats where they had squeaked through and there was Parliamentarians, to shed some light on how MPs a narrow margin of victory or who were relatively themselves view their representational role. 10 new and felt the need to be in the riding more and trying to cater to that and to allow them to build up The former MPs clearly differed in the extent to their credentials in their riding.”14 which they had weighed constituency opinion in the legislative process. Some felt an obligation to act on What is Driving Negative Evaluations of MPs’ Job constituency opinion; others saw themselves more Performance? as trustees; and several others had tried to balance MPs’ commitment to constituency service is constituents’ wishes with partisan considerations. strikingly at odds with the perceptions of many Former Reform MPs were the most likely to opt for Canadians who gave MPs failing grades on dealing a delegate role. How much weight these former MPs with the problems of individual constituents and gave to constituents’ opinions varied, depending on staying in touch with constituents and local groups. constituency characteristics such as the margin of Canadians evaluate MPs most poorly in precisely victory and the homogeneity of the electorate, as well those areas to which MPs claim to devote so much of as the degree of party their time. Similarly, the discipline to which they widespread judgment were subject. that those elected to It is worth noting “MPs’ commitment to constituency service parliament fail to keep that party discipline is strikingly at odds with the perceptions of their promises and do does, however, aid many Canadians who gave MPs failing grades not pay attention to in fulfilling election on dealing with the problems of individual what Canadians think promises. Canadians constituents and staying in touch with appears to be too harsh. gave MPs a bare passing The question is: Why grade when it came constituents and local groups. Canadians are so many Canadians to keeping promises. evaluate MPs most poorly in precisely those getting it wrong? However, these negative areas to which MPs claim to devote so much of Is it a Lack of Political perceptions appear to be their time.” Awareness? somewhat at odds with the objective record. It is possible that Pétry has compared Canadians’ negative specific pledges in the Conservatives’ 2011 platform evaluations of MPs’ job performance reflect a lack with the party’s record in government during its of political awareness. Some Canadians may be first year in office.11 His analysis reveals that many evaluating MPs poorly because they lack basic Conservative campaign pledges had actually been knowledge about MPs and what they do. Blidook, for fulfilled: early in its mandate, the Conservative example, suggests that many Canadians may think government had kept or partially kept almost 65 per that MPs are unresponsive to their concerns because cent of its platform commitments.12 they are simply unaware of how much responsiveness actually occurs in Parliament. There is no shortage The greatest divergence between perceptions of information about what transpires in Parliament and MPs’ performance is apparent for constituency but there does not appear to be much appetite for service. The interviews confirmed that many MPs watching streaming online video of the proceedings devote a good deal of their time and energy to helping or visiting citizen-initiated websites that provide their constituents to resolve problems.13 It is also clear information on what MPs are doing. As Blidook that many of them find this to be the most fulfilling observes, “Parliament is not particularly interesting or part of their job. However, some MPs resented having engaging for most citizens.” 15 to spend their weekends on constituency matters and

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 27 People are apt to compensate for their lack of According to this view, news media consumption information by relying on stereotypes.16 If negative enhances interest in politics and political engagement. evaluations of MPs’ job performance simply reflect When it comes to Canadians’ evaluations of MPs’ ill-informed stereotypes of politicians as uncaring job performance, the evidence points in favour of the and only out for themselves, we would expect to find “virtuous circle” hypothesis. People who are exposed a strong relationship between low levels of political to more news on television and in the newspapers knowledge and poor performance evaluations. tend to give MPs higher grades for keeping their Ruderman and Pétry have both explored this possibility promises. Ruderman, meanwhile, finds no evidence and find little support for the argument. Contrary to that those who consume more news evaluate MPs expectations, Canadians who remember the name of more negatively. On the contrary, consumption of their MP are significantly less likely to believe that Internet news is a particularly strong predictor of politicians keep their promises and they evaluate MPs’ positive evaluations of MPs’ overall job performance. overall job performance more negatively. Moreover, overall evaluations are unrelated to general political Of course, it is possible that the politically knowledge. It seems that low levels of knowledge are disaffected are less likely to consume news about not the reason for public dissatisfaction with MPs’ politics because they have been turned off by coverage performance. We have to look elsewhere. that is sensationalistic, unduly negative and overly focused on the horse race aspect of politics. However, Is “Attack Journalism” to Blame? analyses conducted by Bastedo and her colleagues A plausible candidate is the way that the media produce a more nuanced evaluation of the quality report on Parliament. Media coverage of parliamentary of political coverage.21 Much of what we know about proceedings focuses the nature of media overwhelmingly on coverage comes from Question Period, studies conducted during where the most “There is cause for concern when so many election campaigns, but partisan exchanges Canadians appear to be dissatisfied with they chose instead to take place. As a former MPs’ performance, even though some of these analyze coverage of three NDP MP complained, judgments appear to be more negative than the bills that dominated the “…it’s Question data presented here would seem to warrant. A federal government’s Period exchanges that legislative agenda in fall are combative that degree of skepticism about elected representatives 2011.22 The majority of get in the news. It’s is probably healthy but dissatisfaction can the coverage, especially not serious debate undermine support for the system if it becomes in the press, actually or information going too widespread.” focused on process or out to the people of policy. They also report Canada on complex that the negativity bias is issues. Most media not as pervasive as critics trivializes important matters of public policy; they often contend, especially on television. Their findings not only trivialize, but they polarize and emphasize suggest “a critical and responsive press, rather than a the negative.”17 The venues in which much of the hostile one.”23 On the other hand, coverage of the three ‘real work’ of Parliament goes on are much less bills did not prove to be particularly informative. likely to attract media attention. Moreover, instances Frustrating Experiences with Government? of politicians keeping their promises are unlikely to qualify as very newsworthy. Certainly, they are Studies conducted for Canadian Democracy from less likely to garner the attention of the media than the Ground Up: Perspective and Performance suggest broken promises. As Pétry notes, “Media reporting of that Canadians’ evaluations of MPs are strongly promises kept is likely a relatively rare occurrence.”18 influenced by their everyday experiences with government. As Joe Soss has observed, “Legislatures Scholars are divided over the impact of news media may host more dramatic political activities, but on public disaffection with politics. Some speak of the police station, the motor vehicles office, and the a “spiral of cynicism.”19 These scholars argue that Internal Revenue Service are more likely to supply media coverage is unduly focused on the partisan citizens with lessons about government that ring with game and that this fuels political cynicism on the part the truth of first-hand experience.”24 When people of the public. Other scholars posit a “virtuous circle.”20 have frustrating experiences with service providers

28 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 or experience difficulty navigating the bureaucracy, Using “10 per centers” and householders for they are apt to conclude that the political system is their proper purpose—informing constituents and unresponsive. It appears that people generalize these soliciting their opinions—and not for blatantly partisan personal experiences to government and politics at purposes could help to counter the perception that large. Many of the focus group participants recounted MPs do a poor job of staying in touch. More generally, their experiences with a seemingly unresponsive MPs would do well to find ways of improving bureaucracy and it was clear that these negative communication with their constituents and enhancing experiences contributed to their disaffection with awareness of their constituency service. politics and politicians.25 Moreover, Samara survey Finally, MPs need to understand how the design of respondents who had had unsatisfactory experiences programs and the delivery of services can influence with government offices were significantly more likely Canadians’ perceptions of politics and politicians. to give MPs poor ratings overall, and they were also As the tasks confronting lawmakers become ever more likely to rate MPs poorly for promise-keeping. more complex, it is likely that many Canadians will Countering Negative Perceptions of MPs continue to judge their elected representatives not so much on the basis of what they do but on how There is cause for concern when so many Canadians citizens are treated in their day-to-day encounters appear to be dissatisfied with MPs’ performance, even though some of these judgments appear to be more with government. negative than the data presented here would seem Endnotes to warrant. A degree of skepticism about elected representatives is probably healthy but dissatisfaction 1 Lawrence LeDuc, and Jon H. Pammett. “Attitudes toward Democratic Norms and Practices: Canada can undermine support for the system if it becomes in Comparative Perspective” in Elisabeth Gidengil too widespread. In the nature of things, MPs are and Heather Bastedo (eds.), Canadian Democracy unlikely to receive top marks from the electorate but from the Ground Up: Perceptions and Performance, we can suggest some steps that might help make for a Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, better report card in the future. 2014.

st 2 Nick Ruderman, “Canadians’ Evaluations of The 41 Parliament shows that affirmative action MPs: Performance Matters” in Elisabeth Gidengil can be effective in producing a parliament that is more and Heather Bastedo, eds., Canadian Democracy representative of Canadian society. The increase in the from the Ground Up: Perceptions and Performance, number of women elected as MPs was largely a result Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, of the NDP’s commitment to having more women 2014. on the ballot; prime ministerial appointments also 3 The data are drawn from Samara’s Citizen Survey, helped to ensure more proportionate representation an online survey with Canadians across the country th of historically under-represented groups among that was conducted between March 19 and April 2nd, 2012. Samara is a charitable organization the ranks of cabinet ministers and parliamentary that works to improve political participation in secretaries. Canada. The survey was conducted by Feedback Research Corporation under the direction of André A greater challenge will be resisting increasing Turcotte. A total of 1,915 Canadians completed encroachment by political parties upon venues where the survey, representing a response rate of 43.1 MPs have traditionally been less constrained by party percent. After data cleaning, the effective sample discipline. One of the key findings to emerge from size was 1,761 respondents. Blidook’s study is that the degree of congruence 4 Ruderman. between public priorities and parliamentary 5 LeDuc and Pammett. priorities tends to be greatest in venues such as Private Members’ Business, Members’ Statements 6 Hanna F. Pitkin. The Concept of Representation. and Routine Proceedings. From the perspective of Berkeley: University of California Press, 1967. responsiveness to public priorities, the April 2013 7 Ibid. ruling by the Speaker that reaffirmed the Speaker’s 8 Research involved a computer-assisted content authority to decide who is recognized to speak in the analysis of the words of all speakers in the House House is a positive step. However, the onus is on MPs of Commons as recorded in Hansard during three to stand and be recognized and it remains to be seen four-week periods during the 2012 parliamentary how many will risk sanctions to speak without the calendar year. Spanning 54 days out of a total of 135 sitting days, these three periods represent 40 approval of their party’s whip. per cent of the time that the House was in session

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 29 that year. Approximately 3.7 million words were of Rationality. New York: Cambridge University analyzed using a topic dictionary adapted from Press, 2000. the Policy Agenda Project (www.policyagendas. org). 17 Blidook, p. 218. 9 Kelly Blidook. “Democratic Responsiveness in 18 Pétry, p. 242. the House of Commons” in Elisabeth Gidengil 19 Joseph N. Cappella, and Kathleen Hall Jamieson. and Heather Bastedo (eds.), Canadian Democracy Spiral of Cynicism: The Press and the Public Good. from the Ground Up: Perceptions and Performance, New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 2014. 20 Pippa Norris. A Virtuous Cycle. Reinventing Political Activism. Cambridge: Cambridge University 10 Munroe Eagles, Royce Koop and Alison Loat. Press, 2003. “MPs on the Home Front: How Constituency Characteristics Influence Representational 21 Heather Bastedo, Quinn Albaugh and Alex Approaches” in Elisabeth Gidengil and Heather Marland. “The Story Behind the Story: Evaluating Bastedo (eds.), Canadian Democracy from the Ground the Content of Political News” in Elisabeth Up: Perceptions and Performance, Vancouver: Gidengil and Heather Bastedo (eds.), Canadian University of British Columbia Press, 2014. Democracy from the Ground Up: Perceptions and Performance, Vancouver: University of British 11 Analysis is based on a content analysis of laws Columbia Press, 2014. and regulations, throne speeches and budget speeches, and annual reports from government 22 This analysis includes the omnibus crime bill and ministries and agencies. the bills abolishing the Firearms Registry and the Canadian Wheat Board’s monopoly over sales of 12 François Pétry. “A Tale of Two Perspectives: western wheat and barley, and was based on a Election Promises and Government Actions study of 2,806 newspaper articles published in 42 in Canada” in Elisabeth Gidengil and Heather daily newspapers between September 1, 2011 and Bastedo (eds.), Canadian Democracy from the November 30, 2011 and transcripts of 174 stories Ground Up: Perceptions and Performance, University broadcast on seven national television news of British Columbia Press, 2014. programs over the same period. 13 Also see: David Docherty, Mr. Smith Goes to 23 Bastedo, Albaugh and Marland, p. 142. Ottawa: Life in the House of Commons. Vancouver: University of British Columbia Press, 1997. 24 Joe Soss. “Lessons of Welfare: Policy Design, Political Learning, and Political Action.” American 14 Eagles et al., p. 204. Political Science Review 93(2), 1999, p. 376. 15 Blidook, p. 217. 25 Heather Bastedo, Wayne Chu and Jane Hilderman. 16 Kuklinski, James, and Paul J. Quirk “Reconsidering “Outsiders: Agency and the Non-Engaged” in the Rational Public: Cognition, Heuristics, Elisabeth Gidengil and Heather Bastedo (eds.), and Mass Opinion” in Arthur Lupia, Matthew Canadian Democracy from the Ground Up: Perceptions D. McCubbins, and Samuel L. Popkin (eds.), and Performance, Vancouver: University of British Elements of Reason: Cognition, Choice and the Bounds Columbia Press, 2014.

30 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Book Excerpt: Tragedy in the Commons “What Job Is This Anyway?”

Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan

In Tragedy in the Commons: Former Members of Parliament Speak Out About Canada’s Failing Democracy, authors Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan draw on exit interviews with 80 former parliamentarians to reveal how federal politicians felt about their experiences leading and directing the country. Chief among their findings: many MPs did not have a clear understanding about what their job in Ottawa was, and often felt stymied by a partisan system that constricted their freedom in Ottawa. These selected excerpts from Chapter 4 (“What Job Is This Anyway?”) suggest that many MPs interviewed found the most tangible result of their work to be individual casework for constituents in their home ridings, prompting the authors to ask if all constituency work alone is the best use of an MP’s talents and time.

nce they’ve faced down the challenges of two offices). The staffers, Hubbard said, averaged their first weeks in Ottawa—where the office more than a hundred such calls per day; in the 15 years Ois, how to claim expenses, where to find staff, that he served as an MP, Hubbard figures his staffers how to get to the bathroom—new MPs face a more handled more than a hundred thousand calls that long-term hurdle: managing the many demands on involved constituents seeking help in their dealings their attention and schedule. The former Liberal MP with federal government bureaucracies. for Miramichi, New Brunswick, Charles Hubbard, A high school principal before entering politics, for one, was astonished by the number of people who Hubbard shared a story about a former student in approached his office to seek help from one of the desperate need of help. By then about 35 years old, federal bureaucracies, such as Immigration Canada, the man had a wife and three kids, and was dying Revenue Canada or Service Canada. “Your office is of cancer—and yet Service Canada was denying always facing calls where somebody is frustrated with him his disability payments. When Hubbard heard trying to approach the government,” said Hubbard. about the situation he called the man’s doctor, who “When you think of somebody having trouble with subsequently wrote a statement to support the man’s his income tax or with his EI or trying to access the claim, which Hubbard then made sure was read by Canada Pension or an old age pension, and they get the proper person at Service Canada. A month before the proverbial runaround, they wind up calling your the former student’s death, Service Canada approved office.” the man for the disability pension. The money would In fact, Hubbard’s office dealt with this type of make an enormous difference in the lives of the man’s matter so frequently that he assigned the equivalent family—his kids would get the payments until they of two and a half full-time people to handle the calls came of age, and his wife would get payments as long (most MPs have only half a dozen staff between their as she needed them. “So, you know, as a Member of Parliament, you have people in need who call you, and who can benefit from a bit of effort you put into it,” Hubbard said. Alison Loat is an associate fellow and instructor at the School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Toronto, co- Hubbard came to regard dealing with these appeals founder of Canada25 and a regular commentator on Canadian for help with the Canadian federal bureaucracy as politics. Michael MacMillan is the former executive chairman and an important aspect of the MP’s job. When we asked CEO of Alliance Atlantis Communications and current CEO of which part of his work as a parliamentarian he enjoyed Blue Ant Media. Loat and MacMillan co-founded Samara, a think- tank working to improve political participation in Canada, in 2009. most, Hubbard mentioned these cases. “You probably

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 31 get more satisfaction from helping people than you did A few MPs, on the other hand, disagreed with what from trying to wade through legislation,” Hubbard they saw as an over-demand for constituency service said. “And the struggles in Ottawa, in terms of trying on the part of those they represented. Conservative to put forward your ideas, or to get changes done, it’s MP for Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, Brian Fitzpatrick a very frustrating experience. And when you look at referred disparagingly to the “chamber of commerce” somebody who is in need of Canada Pension, who’s philosophy held by some mayors in his riding, which been denied it... by bureaucrats who’ve never seen had them badgering him about what he was doing for them, and the person comes the riding as its MP. Was he to [your] office and you see bringing them grant money the condition he’s in, and he In fact, about a quarter of the MPs that would create jobs? Was has five kids at home and is we interviewed said this service to he wooing industry? “I guess disabled and you can help constituents (assistance with the federal I never really was strong on that person, there’s probably that area,” Fitzpatrick said. more satisfaction from that.” bureaucracy), when they could operate “I didn’t think that was the freely from any party interference and role. We’re lawmakers—we’re Few would ever fault there to make sure that we Charles Hubbard for doing the results were tangible and personal, pass good laws and so on. It’s what he could to help any was the best part of being an MP. not like I’m a lobbyist, to bring individual, let alone a former industry and stuff to your student, facing such tragic riding. . . . It still bothers me, because philosophically circumstances. But we were struck by the number of I think the role of government is to create the proper MPs who had similar stories. Is this what voters send environment so that enterprise and business operates MPs to Ottawa to do? in a free market, not with the government trying to … give out grants and so on. So I always found it a bit distasteful to get involved with that stuff, but you’re Just as Charles Hubbard remembers fondly helping forced into it whether you like it or not.” his ailing former student navigate Service Canada, some MPs emphasized working in a service-oriented Liberal MP Sue Barnes saw the importance of capacity for constituents not only as one of the job’s constituency work, but felt that most of it could—and most gratifying elements but as one of its primary should—be done by the staff at her local office. “I’m purposes. “You’re the ombudsman,” explained known for good constituency work, but I didn’t do Conservative MP Jim Gouk. “When there’s a federal most of it—my staff did it on my behalf,” she said. “I problem, you’re the go-to guy. You’re the one that gave them the instructions, and they knew they’d be in they look to for help because trouble if they didn’t do it.” At if you can’t help them, who the same time, she added, “To can? You either help or put me [constituency work is] a them in touch with someone sidebar.” And she recognized who can. You listen to their that her constituents would problem.” This can mean have preferred she work assisting constituents with directly on providing service the bureaucratic matters— in the riding. “It’s something immigration, employment of a political truth that they insurance, passports or don’t care what you do veterans’ support. It also somewhere else.” However, includes helping people Barnes saw the two as linked, benefit from federal programs and acknowledged that she or legislation, and fulfilling Photo by John Beebe chose her legislative priorities the role of a representative Authors Michael MacMillan and Alison Loat from among the issues that by attending social occasions mattered to her constituents. or other commemorative events. In fact, about a She backed medical marijuana in 1999 and 2004, for quarter of the MPs we interviewed said this service to example, because a constituent raised the issue with constituents, when they could operate freely from any her. “A lot of things [were] sparked by individual party interference and the results were tangible and constituent problems,” Barnes said. “My interest personal, was the best part of being an MP. in same-sex marriage came from a constituent who

32 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Photo by Roy Grogan/Library of Parliament In Alison Loat and Michael MacMillan’s revealing book Tragedy in the Commons: Former Members of Parliament Speak Out About Canada’s Failing Democracy, many MPs describe front-line constituency work as consuming vast amounts of time and personnel, prompting questions as to whether some MPs have become “defacto front-line service representatives for the federal government.”

worked for me in my first campaign, and later died of Bakopanos is right. The practice of MPs intervening AIDS—a very intelligent young man.” in immigration, employment insurance, veterans’ affairs, Canada pension and disability cases raises … difficult questions about political interference ina It’s a noble pursuit, helping frustrated citizens process that is meant to be handled by an objective deal with the federal government’s most difficult bureaucracy. Judging from the MPs’ reports of their bureaucracies, whether with passport applications, efforts, Canadians, and would-be Canadians, are immigration claims or pension problems. But the receiving unequal and inconsistent treatment. If you practice raises a larger question: Should our Members know an MP, or if an MP takes an interest in your of Parliament really be spending their time on such case, then it seems likely you’ll get better service. Is the issues? The traditional definition of an MP in the Canadian federal bureaucracy one that functions better Westminster system of government—to consider, on the basis of who you know? Do citizens who happen refine and pass legislation, and to hold the government to be Conservative Party members receive the same to account—suggests not. Eleni Bakopanos, for one, level of service from their MPs in Liberal-held ridings? agreed: “That was the hard part,” she said, “trying to What about NDP, Green or Bloc party members? It explain to somebody, especially immigration cases, is a precept of our democratic government that our where we were limited in how far we could intervene. party affiliation should not act as an advantage, or . . . It should not be the MP’s office handling that.” disadvantage, in our dealings with bureaucrats.

Continued on page 36

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 33 Continued from page 33

Party affiliation aside, one’s ability to solicit help nature to want to assist. It also helps MPs take the pulse from an MP can also be enhanced by a personal of the people they represented. “The constituency work connection. In other countries where politicians is the reality check,” said John Godfrey in an interview interact with government in such a manner, those on CBC Radio’s The Current about his exit interview. activities are referred to as corruption. Ideally, our “You can be far too abstract if you’re not dealing with bureaucracy should be equally accessible for all, real people, one at a time, sitting in front of you, with regardless of whether one happened to catch the MP’s real problems.” attention, or helped out in a certain political campaign. Let’s not fool ourselves, here, however: a constituent Then there’s the question of appropriate focus. assisted by an MP is a constituent who is likely to vote Working for their constituents in this way, our MPs are for that MP in the next election. More fundamentally, acting as de facto front-line service representatives for constituent service is a manifestation of the same the federal government. Should an MP’s job description factors that encourage and perpetuate MP freelancing. include the imperative In many ways, this customer to paper over a broken service work is the logical bureaucracy? Or should Helping constituents to fill out extreme of freelancing. the federal bureaucracy’s paperwork, immigration forms, passport Helping constituents to fill decision-making processes advocacy—this is what our federal out paperwork, immigration be made more transparent political representatives descend to, forms, passport advocacy— and accessible to citizens, so this is what our federal political that the burden of this work when our political system renders them representatives descend to, can be taken out of MPs’ impotent. It’s a logical symptom of the when our political system offices and placed back in the MPs’ absence of power. renders them impotent. It’s a bureaucrats’ hands, where it logical symptom of the MPs’ belongs? absence of power. Another question the practice poses: Is it the most An MP typically starts out as a backbencher who effective use of our parliamentarians’ time? Many isn’t allowed much control over her political career. Members of Parliament are spending valuable time and She doesn’t choose the committee on which she serves. energy acting as intermediaries between individuals Her press releases, and increasingly her parliamentary and the federal government. But rather than speaking points, are pre- written and approved by the responding to citizen complaints about, leader’s office. And she certainly doesn’t get much say, an immigration process gone input on the important aspects of government awry, rather than untangling legislation. So how does she the individual snarls assert herself? symptomatic How of a flawed does system, she shouldn’t work MPs more in a productively manner devote their energies that gives toward reforming these snarled her personal bureaucracies? Toward streamlining our satisfaction and nation’s immigration application processes? To the feeling that improving the customer service provided by Revenue she’s made the most Canada and perhaps simplifying the tax code? To of her time in office? Acting as a fixing the approvals processes of the pension and customer service rep for the federal government employment insurance systems? is perhaps the easiest way to do that. This is labour that the MPs can control. All that said, it takes only a little analysis to understand what’s motivating the phenomenon, at Tragedy in the Commons: Former Members of Parliament least from the MPs’ perspective. Part of it might be Speak Out About Canada’s Failing Democracy is published by decent human kindness: after all, people can arrive at Random House Canada and available anywhere books are sold. an MP’s office in pretty dire straits, and it is human See also, Parliamentary Book Shelf, page 44

34 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 34 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 35 The Constituency Project Ten Years On

Peter MacLeod

Ten years ago an enterprising Ph.D candidate at the London School of Economics spent four months touring nearly 100 of Canada’s federal constituency offices — what he calls perhaps “the country’s most dramatic if accidental parliamentary reform” — in an attempt to better understand a political culture where voter participation and trust in government were on the decline. In this article Peter MacLeod reflects on some of the subtle insights he picked up during his journey and looks to future innovations. He concludes by asking if, in the digital age, new generations of MPs will be more inclined to think of their offices and local budgets in terms of open platforms for community building and learning.

n 2004, I returned to Canada after two years spent tracking the New Labour experiment from my post Ias a researcher at the London think tank, Demos. Though post-9/11, these were still heady, pre-recession days where the British government was on a spending tear, London was booming, and Anthony Gidden’s call for Third Way politics still felt fresh. I had, only a short time before, enrolled as a part- time student at the London School of Economics with a plan to get a Ph.D. Though I was what could only generously be called a Canadianist, I had managed to take just enough courses in architecture and urbanism to be admitted to the sociology department’s cities program. Now I needed a research project and though I had

enrolled with a plan to leave Canadian politics far MacLeod Photos by Peter behind and make a home in this new discipline, I couldn’t entirely shake a fashionable preoccupation Peter MacLeod, pictured in Cambridge, Ontario, took a with declining voter turnout and trust in government. cross-country journey in 2004 which brought him to nearly 100 federal constituency offices as a part of his doctoral It’s what I knew. And truthfully, it’s what I cared about. research into Canadian political culture. Soon after, I came back to Canada to begin my fieldwork, having decided to travel as far as I could from of Parliament and spend four months visiting some official Ottawa. My plan was to explore the periphery of the loneliest outposts in politics, sitting as they do alongside laundromats and video stores. This was the beginning of the Constituency Project. Ten years later, the absurdity and light-heartedness In 2007, Peter MacLeod quit his doctorate to found the public of the project are possibly what matter most. Over the engagement firm, MASS LBP. Since then MASS has led some of course of four months, I drove the length and width Canada’s most original and ambitious efforts to engage citizens of the country, visiting nearly 100 offices belonging to in tackling tough policy options while pioneering the use of Civic local MPs. Lotteries and Citizen Reference Panels on behalf of a wide array of public sector clients.

36 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Each piece of paper pictured in these mugs represents a constituent phone call returned in this office.

The sample size was ridiculous. The same study with his staff in Penticton set the record straight. The could have been easily completed with four offices, same goes for Anne McLellan, then deputy Prime maybe 10. But as an antidote to London and to theory, Minister, who was a renowned constituency MP. there was something honest and grounding about Her office was an impossible maze of filing cabinets spending time with people who, while working for containing tens of thousands of folders accumulated politicians, were themselves almost wholly apolitical. over a decade spent tending to the concerns of her Their job, as they saw it, was simply to help other Edmonton residents. people. And so, happy in their company, I just kept In Saskatoon, staff for Maurice Vellacott were proud going. to show off a recently outfitted RV that doubled as Of course, many of the offices were entirely a mobile office. Jim Prentice was apparently so keen unremarkable — but many more were a reliable to simply talk with his constituents that he removed source of subtle insights. the desk from his private office, preferring just two wingback chairs. In Fredericton, I spent a morning learning how Andy Scott ingeniously packed local halls for his Not surprisingly, staff for MPs like Libby Davies public meetings. In the Gaspé, I visited bustling Bloc and Claudette Bradshaw made a specialty of social offices. With little interest in parliamentary affairs, justice issues. John Godfrey’s outpost on dreary Laird staff were sent to the ridings to work as local fix- Road in east Toronto was nevertheless a magnet for its. If other parts of the country were baffled by the urbane young staffers. enduring local appeal of Stockwell Day, 10 minutes

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 37 Every imaginable grievance passed through their for one of the worst, most fatigue-inducing commutes doors: nasty child custody fights; accusations of yet conceived. workplace discrimination; decades-long battles to None of this was by design. In fact, the advent reunite distant families; shocking miscarriages of of constituency offices may be the country’s most justice; and stories of intractable tax collectors run dramatic if accidental parliamentary reform — wholly amok. Any new staffer would immediately find reshaping the role of MPs and their relationship to himself or herself swamped by the endless stream of Canadians. employment insurance claims, missing passports, and neglected veterans. The first office opened innocently enough: conveniently just a two hour drive from Ottawa, in More than once I heard assistants in grittier Kingston. A recently elected Flora Macdonald wanted neighbourhoods compare their dingy storefronts to a way to keep in touch, and hired a Queen’s student, local emergency rooms. The urgency of their work paying his wage and the cost of a small office from her didn’t leave much time for ideology. As an office of last own salary. resort, constituency staff found themselves on Within the decade, the front line, too often a system of enhanced stepping in when every “The humble MP’s office remains Parliament’s travel stipends and office other public service most malleable and low-risk site for civic budgets was introduced. falls apart. And so The very MPs which they hustled for public innovation. It falls to the MPs of our next Trudeau had infamously housing, made referrals parliament to reimagine these stages for their called ‘a bunch of to legal aid, and kept own time.” nobodies’ 50 yards off pushing their carefully ~ Peter MacLeod the Hill now had a local cultivated contacts in the taxpayer-funded stage line ministries to resolve of their own. It was a a case. solution to a question no one had thought to ask but which suddenly everyone Then came the litany of requests for endorsements wanted. of every cause, letters asking for all manner of worthy commendations and invitations to a groaning board of Today, the great English legislator, Edmund Burke, local pancake breakfasts and chicken dinners. would have trouble recognizing either delegates or trustees among Parliament’s many tribes. In their place, Tracking well below the quagmires and we have installed a system most properly described as correspondence was the actual policy work – 308 elected ombuds. telegraphing back to Ottawa the pulse of local opinion. As a proportion of the total activities fielded by staff, Whether stuck on the backbench and frozen out the receipt of thoughtful, original letters from local from the work of their leader’s office, or else genuinely constituents concerning upcoming bills in Parliament motivated by the chance to make a local difference, is so comparatively rare that their novelty is itself a today’s MPs occupy themselves in ways unimagined source of influence. If only because a change is as good or unavailable to their Hill-bound predecessors. as a rest, a personal note to your MP will likely be read Engaging Constituents with interest and gratitude. While MPs have been busy reinventing themselves Fixer Politics as helpful fixers and responsive caseworkers, it Canada is almost alone amongst democracies in appears paradoxically that this shift has done little to the heavy emphasis we place on the local end of slow the decades old decline in public confidence for parliamentary work. Perhaps it’s a consequence of elected politicians. the special contempt Canadians have for Ottawa, or Of course even the most diligent local fixer will a lingering provincialism that views with suspicion only ever tend to the needs of a small slice of their any talk of high politics. Regardless, today’s MP has constituency. As a high-touch strategy, it’s a role little choice but to prove they haven’t lost touch, and that leaves little time for anything else, including join the weekly exodus from the Ottawa airport. Along pursuing larger agendas that might begin to address with our American cousins, our political system could the structural issues that feed the demand for their be truthfully said to run on jet fuel, possibly making services.

38 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 It also obviates an even more direct good — to think of their offices and local budgets as open proactively engaging residents in the work of platforms for community building and learning. parliamentary decision-making, and increasing The humble MP’s office remains Parliament’s most public understanding of the issues and trade-offs that malleable and low-risk site for civic innovation. It falls confront it. to the MPs of our next parliament to reimagine these This strategy might well be called, however stages for their own time. unfashionably, adult education; but here we can imagine the MP as the lead learner navigating a mix of issues where too often there are no easy answers. Here too constituency offices might be used more profitably when treated as nodes on a network for a new style of civic programming. Is it inconceivable to imagine political parties coordinating speakers circuits, or other events with better production values than a typical townhall meeting, travelling the country? Inevitably each MP must make choices — how they allocate their scarce time being the most important. It is an uneviable job, yet the task of representing and speaking for others remains an extraordinary and rare privilege. Asking for hepped-up programing in a constituency office to restitch the connection between politics and people might seem like a tall order. Yet, the limits of fixer politics are also apparent. Rob Ford, perhaps Canada’s uber-constituency politician, is an unsettling example of the fixer extreme, where every policy decision gets subsumed to a grotesque populism. Here you will get your call returned, and a city worker redirected to tamp down fresh asphalt at your curb, but the real work of governing and city- building goes undone. Surely the fifth decade of constituency politics will provide an opportunity for fresh approaches. A new generation of young parliamentarians may well be more inclined to share their local and increasingly online stages, shifting away from the service model From dense city cores to suburban strip malls to rural in- as more and more government services are delivered dustrial areas, constituency offices assume different forms electronically and, on the whole, more seamlessly. As to suit their locales and the needs of the MP and local this happens, tomorrow’s MPs may be more inclined populations.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 39 Parliamentary Book Shelf

Gendered News: Media explains, women’s representation viewed as a masculine world – Coverage and Electoral Politics in federal and provincial and news stories rely heavily on in Canada by Elizabeth governments remains masculine language, symbols and Goodyear-Grant, UBC Press, “stubbornly short” of the 30 per metaphors. Vancouver, 2013, 246p. cent of legislative seats generally Goodyear-Grant does not required for women to make pretend to have easy answers a difference in politics. What for this dilemma in which n early February, Liberal MP accounts for this continuing the voters, the media and the Chrystia Freeland rose to ask I disparity? Through an analysis politicians themselves play her first question in the House of of television coverage of the roles. She could not consider Commons. For most new MPs, party leaders in the 2000 federal the vital role that social media that initiation is usually a proud, election and print coverage of now plays – and certainly if intimidating, milestone. For candidates in the 2006 election, should play – in upsetting the Freeland, who had won a tough Goodyear-Grant examines the balance in these relationships, Toronto by-election in Novem- media’s “important role in allowing politicians to bypass ber, it was a test of fortitude. shaping voters’ perceptions of media filters. She is also naïve The former business journalist female leaders and candidates and occasionally wrong about was asking about the prospects and of the political world the way that journalists operate, for Canada’s economic recovery generally, thus influencing especially on Parliament Hill. when the Conservative heckling voters’ support for female commenced. The Speaker inter- politicians.” ceded twice but the mostly male The result is an important look voices jeered more loudly. On at a relatively unexplored topic: her third try, Freeland finished the complicated relationships a truncated query. Shortly after among the media, the politicians a federal minister replied with a and the voters. The media do not stock answer, Vancouver Observer come out well. Goodyear-Grant journalist D. Matthew Millar argues that the mainstream media offered his advice: “Put on your present women as different from “big girl” voice for [for Ques- their male colleagues in far more tion Period],” he tweeted, “the “insidious” ways than Freeland Hon. Members water glasses are experienced. She maintains that shattering.”[sic] men dominate the news media, It has been almost a century journalists reflect that culture, since women won the right to and the resulting gendered vote in federal elections – but news contributes to the idea that the quest for equality remains femaleness “is different, alien elusive. Barriers to women’s to politics, or even unwelcome in participation in politics politics.” In effect, the media have have toppled as party brass, unwittingly adopted the broader fundraisers, riding association culture’s mental frameworks members and voters increasingly that organize their beliefs and view them as desirable knowledge about gender. Then candidates. But, as Queen’s they filter events through a University political scientist schema in which politics is Elizabeth Goodyear-Grant

40 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 skewed. McDonough’s sound politicians. Happily, there bites were also remarkably longer was no statistically significant when she attacked, in contrast to difference in the coverage of the treatment of her male peers. the professional qualifications Such selective treatment was of male and female candidates. damaging. Using that election As well, the tone of news stories study from 2000 and a media on the electoral prospects of reception look at Toronto voters, female and male candidates did Goodyear-Grant finds that this not differ. When the coverage of distorted depiction of the usually challengers was isolated from cool-headed McDonough hurt that of incumbents, however, her; male party leaders were female candidates were more generally not penalized for such associated with soft issues than attacks. (Prime Minister Jean male challengers. Journalists Chrétien did go too far, however, have seemingly absorbed gender when he combined verbal attacks stereotypes. with aggressive body language.) But Goodyear-Grant goes Goodyear-Grant argues astray when she asserts that that when women attack, it the news media reflect the contradicts cultural norms: “It is male-dominated hierarchies in all the more newsworthy, because newsrooms who want to attract it is surprising and atypical.” advertisers with an audience There are other wake-up of affluent, older, white males. calls. The televised coverage of The news may be a function of McDonough usually focused on culturally skewed selection and the media hierarchy does remain Indeed, she should have posed a her activities or campaign trail top-heavy with men. But editors few basic questions to journalists events – as opposed to polls that and journalists, male and female, to balance her interviews with might have flagged her viability are far more concerned about politicians on how they handled as a candidate. McDonough was beating their competitors to a and occasionally manipulated more associated with so-called story than placating advertisers. the effect of their gender on their soft issues such as health care There are usually sturdy walls media coverage. as opposed to hard issues such as the economy – although the between publishers and editors Despite those flaws,Gendered media could have simply picked – although they can be breached. News remains a worthy eye- up on the NDP’s campaign focus. As well, contrary to her assertion, opener. Goodyear-Grant teases Perhaps most worrisome, every television reporters do write out findings from the 2000 story that provided journalistic their own copy. Finally, she Canadian Election Study of interpretations of McDonough’s should have applied even more television coverage by four message in the television lead- skepticism to the complaints networks, as well as data from ins and wrap-ups failed to of former Prime Minister Kim the McGill Media Observatory offer “evidence or reasoning Campbell: after all, Campbell did on print coverage of the 2006 to substantiate the interpretive pose holding her judicial robes campaign by seven major content.” The number for men in front of her bare shoulders; newspapers. She found gender was “significantly lower.” and much of her ire was aimed equity in visibility in televised at coverage that examined her news and print. But there is no In the 2005-2006 election, professional credentials. similar balance in how women women candidates faced Last February, when Freeland and men were covered. In 2000, glaringly sexist references of their faced jeers, she remained 70 per cent of the news coverage personal lives in print coverage, composed – and chided the of New Democratic Party leader including their childlessness Conservatives. Within minutes of Alexa McDonough depicted her and marital status. Women did, journalist Millar’s tweet, before as attacking her opponents, while however, receive less personal Question Period even ended, the coverage of the four male coverage when they built up she shot back: “This is 2014!” party leaders was not similarly a reputation as competent

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 41 Millar apologized. Goodyear- Oscar Douglas Skelton’s official response to Britain’s continued Grant suggests that female memoranda, diaries and letters insistence on “diplomatic unity” politicians, their male allies and provides readers with not only a and deference to the British political parties should “take portrait of a trusted civil servant, Foreign Office on important every opportunity to challenge but also the man behind the matters. Furthermore, he notes prevailing (masculine) norms.” memos. Hillmer’s informative that Skelton’s interventions, Perhaps that prompt apology introductory note presents a which played a role in the represents progress. But this strong narrative foundation dominions’ constitutional scholarly book indicates that for the subsequent collection progress, were credited by South damaging gendered assumptions of annotated documents. Africa’s prime minister as helping still underpin Canada’s media Reproduced chronologically to make it “Canada’s conference.” and political worlds – and they and divided by key events or Hillmer’s thoughtful choice of do influence the voters. periods, he provides readers annotations in these documents with a window into the world of equips readers with information Mary Janigan a biographer working his way that provide context and colour. Journalist and Author of Let The through the archives. For instance, in an excerpt of Eastern Bastards Freeze in the Dark: The West Versus The Rest Since When Skelton was recruited the famous 1923 memorandum, Confederation to the Department of External Hillmer highlights a hand-written Affairs in 1923, Prime Minister note of approval (“very good”) O.D. Skelton: The Work of William Lyon Mackenzie King from Mackenzie King beside a The World, 1923-1941 Edited deemed the new hire’s staunch passage noting that although each by Norman Hillmer, McGill- anti-imperialism (at least with part of the Empire has its own Queen’s University Press, respect to the British Empire in distinct sphere of interests, these Montreal & Kingston, 2013, Canada) and his proscriptions for spheres occasionally intersect and 517p. an independent Canadian foreign some interests are shared. Other policy to be a strong foundation notes offer important historical for the country’s approach to explanation, introductions to key lthough many civil servants external affairs. The new hire players or citations for further Awill concur that their chosen would almost immediately make exploration. profession has the potential to his mark with a memorandum Hillmer’s biographical sketch bring them much personal fulfill- titled “Canada and the Control ment, few would suggest they of Foreign Policy,” which King enter this field with visions of brought to his first Imperial achieving great fame. Some might Conference as prime minister. even argue that fame—or worse, Some historians have notoriety—is exactly what civil dismissed Skelton’s work on servants are expected to avoid this document, which outlined at all cost. Theirs is a working Canada’s emerging foreign life confined mostly to obscu- policy, as that of a partisan rity while the ministers of their hack (he had been active in departments operate as the public Liberal circles for some time face of their collective efforts, suc- and had previously worked cesses and failures. with King at the end of With this in mind, it is Laurier’s government) and an refreshing to see an historian effort which sought to solve shine a light on the work of one problems that no longer existed civil servant whose counsel on in terms of British imperialist foreign policy was routinely designs on the dominions sought by both Liberal and and colonies. However, in his Conservative prime ministers introductory note, Hillmer during a period of great suggests that while it was clearly international upheaval. Carleton a partisan document, Skelton’s University professor Norman memorandum was a direct Hillmer’s edited collection of

42 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 is careful to note that Skelton man meant so much” (p. 55). ultimately, the return to civilian was “not anti-British, nor anti- Hillmer’s deft skill in curating life. A concluding chapter offers empire. It was imperialism and these documents presents readers thoughts on how to improve the agents of imperialism that with a strong confirmation of our governance from their were his enemies” (p. 13). Indeed, Pearson’s praise. experiences. Skelton’s world view saw Canada A prolific scholar, Hillmer’s A few clear themes emerge. as British North America while extensive background and First, the authors remind us that Britain was British West Europe. expertise in 20th-century being a Member of Parliament Despite his partisan Canadian international policy is a job without an instruction background, Skelton continued offers a unique opportunity for a manual. Once elected, MPs find to serve when Conservative R.B. thorough and insightful guided themselves dropped quickly Bennett formed a government tour of Skelton’s professional life into the deep end, with little in 1930. After some initial in government. orientation for a demanding misgivings and clashes of opinion job that has often brought which led Bennett to consider Will Stos them to a new city away from firing him, Hillmer notes that Editor their families. There’s even Skelton was soon found to be Canadian Parliamentary Review little guidance for running a indispensable. constituency office. Tragedy in the Commons: As King’s Liberals returned Former Members of Parliament Second, those interviewed to government, troubles in Speak Out About Canada’s felt that they often had too little Europe pointed to the possibility Failing Democracy, by Alison voice in the political system, of renewed military conflict. Loat and Michael MacMillan, subjugated by a top-down party Skelton, fearing impending Random House of Canada system that limited their ability divisions in Canada, clearly Limited, Toronto, 2014, 288 p to act independently in the favoured an isolationist policy interests of their constituents. in the lead-up to World War II MPs could have been placed and expressed disappointment t’s very easy to find writing that on committees for which they when King stated that the Ilooks at the health of Canada’s had no expertise or shuffled to possibility of Canada staying out parliamentary system, but up to another in mid-term; there were of a British war with Germany now there has been very little that constant expectations to be a was nil. Skelton suggested spoke to the parliamentarians good soldier and partake in the the wary attitude of Canada’s who worked in the system. Alison francophones was “really Loat and Michael MacMillan seek Canadian” (p. 44); yet he noted to fill this gap with Tragedy in the that a majority would support Commons. participation in war provided The book, a synthesis of there was no conscription. the Samara Institute’s exit The civil servant’s isolationist interviews with 80 former sympathies did not preclude Members of Parliament, features him from acknowledging the an impressively broad group of likelihood of war and his views politicians, including some who on conflict shifted as Germany retired by choice and others who invaded France and set its sights experienced electoral defeat, on Britain. along with a former Prime At the time of Skelton’s Minister and Ministers from unexpected death, in the midst of different governments, as well as a particularly bleak period during backbenchers who left office still the Second World War, Lester wet behind the ears or long in B. Pearson, then working in the the tooth. Structurally, the book Office of the High Commissioner devotes chapters to the stages for Canada in London, of a parliamentarian’s career: lamented that “seldom… in any entering politics; the various organization has the loss of one parts of elected office; and,

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 43 partisan circuses the public has policy must first make its way public must grapple with. Are come to expect. For example, through a party’s MPs at caucus. Canadians comfortable with Gary Merasty, a Liberal elected At times, on issues such as post- party-driven politics that keep in Saskatchewan in 2006, was secondary education, a caucus MPs on a short leash? Popular frustrated enough to resign could push the government perception seems to be that we before completing a term, feeling to do more. A full caucus is are not: voter turnout continues he could do more good as a decentralized and consultative by to decline and even retired civilian. definition, mostly free from party MPs are reluctant to think of Third, there are different control. themselves as “politicians.” And perspectives on what the role of Complaining about the yet little changes. an elected representative should centralization of power in The book draws its title from be. Two camps emerge: delegates leaders’ offices is nothing new in a famous essay by ecologist vs. trustees. The former act as Ottawa. Jean Chrétien was known Garrett Hardin, which lamented the direct voice of constituents as “The Friendly Dictator” in the how collective action problems in Ottawa on an ongoing basis; early 2000s and Stephen Harper’s can result in everyone ultimately the latter act based on their reputation for centralizing suffering. Such problems are own judgement, having been control in the Prime Minister’s only ever really solved when all empowered to act by proxy - little Office is well-known. Every new participants agree that something captures the difference between government seems to promise needs to change and actually Reform and Liberal MPs from the a new and more collaborative endeavour to fix it. MPs who class of ‘93 better than these two approach to parliament; but were interviewed want change, camps. each successive long-serving but appeared unwilling to make It is clear that MPs feel government tends to take top- a sustained effort to bring about constrained by the absence of down control to unprecedented that change. Perhaps the real much direct power. But it’s levels. If anything, perhaps we tragedy in the Commons is that equally interesting to discover should be surprised that MPs their constituents, the public, places where MPs find the themselves are surprised at this seem resigned to accept this system works. Party caucuses, state of affairs in Ottawa. inaction. for example, were cited as a way Tragedy in the Commons of holding cabinet ministers to looks very specifically at the Michael Powell account. Both Conservatives and experiences of former MPs, but it Government Affairs and Research Associate, Impact Public Affairs Liberals indicated that successful raises questions that the general

44 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Legislative Reports

Committees (LPCs) beginning lead the province as the Premier on March 17, 2014, and were of Alberta. Two days later, Ms. reported to the Committee of Redford announced that she Supply for a vote on April 16, would be resigning as Premier 2014. Bill 8, Appropriation Act, effective March 23, 2014. 2014 also passed First Reading Ms. Redford’s resignation on April 16, 2014, and went on to followed weeks of scrutiny and receive Royal Assent on April 24, criticism of her travel costs, use 2014. of a government aircraft and Changes to the Standing Orders other spending. In addition, two Progressive Conservative Alberta Government Motion 7, which MLAs had recently crossed the proposed changes to the Standing floor to sit as independents and Orders governing the review 2nd Session of the 28th several other caucus members of the Main Estimates by the Legislature were openly discussing similar three LPCs, was passed by the action. In her resignation speech The first sitting of the Second Legislative Assembly on March Ms. Redford noted that she was Session of the 28th Legislature 4, 2014. The changes included “not prepared to allow party opened with the Speech from updating the mandates of the and caucus infighting to get the Throne, delivered by Col. LPCs to accurately reflect the in the way of building a better (Ret’d) Hon. Donald S. Ethell, portfolio names included in future for our province and for Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the current Cabinet, reducing all Albertans.” Having resigned on March 3, 2014. Focusing the size of the LPCs from 18 to as Premier, Ms. Redford has heavily on the province’s 15 members and clarifying the indicated she will continue to relationship with municipal rotation of caucus speaking times represent her constituents in the governments, the speech during the estimates debates. Assembly. touched on long-term stability A specific segment of time for On March 23, 2014, David funding for municipalities, independent Members was Hancock (Edmonton-Whitemud) transit support through the added into the rotation and the became the 15th Premier of “Green Trip” budget allocation, maximum amount of time to Alberta. Prior to this appointment and further amendments to review a ministry’s estimates, he had served as Deputy Premier the Municipal Government Act. which had previously varied for a number of months and Other topics of note included from two to six hours, was set Minister of Innovation and flood preparedness, investment at three hours for all ministries Advanced Education, a portfolio in Alberta’s infrastructure, and except Executive Council, which he continues to hold. His promoting Alberta to the rest of remains at two hours. tenure as Government House the world. Three days later, on Resignation of the Premier Leader began in 1999 and he March 6, 2014, the province’s regularly filled this role until his proposed 2014-2015 budget On March 17, 2014, Alison appointment as Deputy Premier was presented by Doug Horner Redford (Calgary-Elbow) in December, 2013. He has (Spruce Grove-St. Albert), received a standing ovation from been responsible for a variety of President of Treasury Board her Progressive Conservative portfolios during his five terms and Minister of Finance. The caucus after being asked in Oral in the Legislature, including Main Estimates were debated Question Period if she continued the ministries of Justice, by the three Legislative Policy to have the support necessary to Education, Human Services

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 45 and Intergovernmental and May, Ric McIver (Calgary-Hays) on Resource Stewardship prior Aboriginal Affairs. stepped down as Minister of to the completion of second Ms. Redford’s departure Infrastructure and announced reading. Bill 201, a Private as Premier also triggered a that he would be running for Members’ public bill, sponsored leadership race within the the leadership of the Progressive by Maureen Kubinec (Barrhead- Progressive Conservative Conservatives, followed by Morinville-Westlock), seeks to Association of Alberta. Mr. Thomas Lukaszuk (Edmonton- amend the Agricultural Pests Act Hancock has publicly indicated Castle Downs), who resigned as in order that a tolerance level he will not be pursuing the Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training for fusarium graminearum, an leadership role on a permanent and Labour. Former federal aggressive plant pathogen, which basis, therefore, the winner of cabinet minister Jim Prentice has can lead to the destruction of a the leadership selection process also joined the race. variety of crops, of 0.5 per cent will become the 16th Premier Greg Weadick (Lethbridge- be accepted for Alberta seed and of Alberta. The leadership West) has been sworn-in as the feed. nomination period was open Minister of Municipal Affairs; The Standing Committee from May 15 to May 30, 2014, and Wayne Drysdale (Grande on Alberta’s Economic Future the selection vote is scheduled Prairie-Wapiti), Minister of has met with a wide range of for September 6, 2014. The Transportation, has taken on stakeholders and completed association requires a candidate the added responsibility of the a series of public meetings on to receive more than half the Infrastructure portfolio; and the future of high-speed rail votes cast in order to win the Kyle Fawcett(Calgary-Klein) is in Alberta. A call for written leadership. If no single candidate now the Minister of Jobs, Skills, submissions on the matter closed receives such a majority on Training and Labour. March 31, 2014. In order to the first vote then the top two complete its review within the candidates will go on to compete Committee Activity allotted six-month timeframe in a second ballot scheduled for The Legislative Policy the Committee will report to the September 20, 2014. Committees debated the 2014- Assembly on the matter by May 2015 Main Estimates from 25, 2014. Changes to Caucus Membership March 17, 2014 until the vote in On March 13, 2014, Len Committee of Supply on April Jody Rempel Webber (Calgary-Foothills), 16, 2014. Under the Standing Committee Clerk a Member of the Government Orders, these committees, and all caucus, announced that he other legislative committees, are was leaving the Progressive prohibited from meeting for any Conservative caucus to sit as other purpose during this period. an independent Member of the However, on March 4, 2014 the Legislative Assembly. Four days Assembly passed amendments later, Donna Kennedy-Glans to the Standing Orders which (Calgary-Varsity), Associate included an exception to this Minister of Electricity and rule, in order to permit the Select Renewable Energy, announced Special Ethics Commissioner she was resigning from Cabinet Search Committee to continue and leaving the Government its recruitment activities without caucus to sit as an Independent. interruption. Ultimately, in Nova Scotia On April 7, 2014, Ken Hughes order to maintain its schedule the Committee met three times (Calgary-West) announced The spring sitting of the House his resignation as Minister of during the period the Main Estimates were under review. of Assembly was a very busy one Municipal Affairs. He confirmed with long hours and the passage his intention to run for the On March 10, 2014, the of two controversial health bills. leadership of the Progressive Legislative Assembly referred Conservatives on April 11, 2014; the Agricultural Pests (Fusarium Emergency sitting however, he has since withdrawn Head Blight) Amendment Act, The Speaker recalled the from the leadership race. In 2014, to the Standing Committee House of Assembly for 9:00

46 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 am Friday, February 28, 2014 employer were on strike on Proceedings commenced at to deal with a pressing issue of February 28, this legislation 2:00 pm on April 2 – Wednesdays public interest. The first order of applies to 12 employers and are Opposition Days and the business, a motion put forth by 19 union locals and requires House recessed at approximately the Government House Leader the employer and the union to 4:00 pm after the conclusion of to extend the sitting hours of the identify the employees who opposition business until 11:30 day to midnight, was adopted. provide “essential services” and pm at which time the House Bill 30, An Act to Ensure the allow only the non-essential was adjourned until 12:01 am on Provision of Essential Home-support workers to strike. April 3. At 12:01 am proceedings Services, was introduced by Kelly commenced and at the end Regan, Minister of Labour and Legislation of Question Period at 1:30 am Advanced Education. A strike by The spring sitting commenced the House resolved itself into approximately 450 home-support on March 27, 2014 with further Committee of the Whole House workers had commenced at 8:00 health care labour unrest on of Bills. The bill was reported a.m. that morning and several the horizon, as nurses with the from the Committee to the hundred workers were protesting Capital Health District, members House at 4:13 am, at which outside the House of Assembly in of the Nova Scotia Government time unanimous consent was frigid weather. Employees Union, prepared for requested to proceed to third With the unanimous consent a strike. On March 31, 2014 at reading of the bill; consent of the House, second reading 7:12 pm, Ms. Regan, Minister of was not obtained. The House debate commenced at 9:15 am. Labour and Advanced Education then recessed until 2:15 pm, At approximately 1:50 p.m. introduced Bill 37, An Act to at which time Diana Whalen, the motion for second reading Ensure the Provision of Essential Minister of Finance, delivered was carried and the bill was Health and Community Services. her first budget speech. At the referred by the House to the Law As the opposition parties had conclusion of the budget speech Amendments Committee – at not been briefed on the bill, the at approximately 4:00 pm the that point over 130 presenters House was recessed. Unanimous House was adjourned to 12:01 am were scheduled to speak with consent to proceed to second Friday, April 3. approximately 90 more remaining reading was not obtained and the Third reading debate on Bill to be scheduled. House adjourned until 12:01 am 37 commenced at approximately on April 1. At 6:00 p.m. the Government 12:30 am on April 3 and House Leader requested and April 1 proved to be a continued until 6:09 am; at this obtained the consent of the House marathon session with Question time there was bell ringing and to adjourn until 9:00 am Saturday, Period commencing at 12:21 votes were taken on the previous March 1, to allow presentations am followed by second reading question and on third reading before the Law Amendments debate on Bill 37 which of the bill. The motion for third Committee to continue through commenced at approximately reading took place at 7:09 am; the night. The last time the House 1:30 am. A “hoist” motion was the House rose following the of Assembly sat on a Saturday in proposed by the NDP and debate vote. As the nurses were already Nova Scotia was on May 24, 1986. continued until 6:37 am when a legally on strike at that time, the series of bell ringings and votes Bill received immediate Royal At 9:05 a.m. on March 1, with took place. At 9:30 am the vote Assent. unanimous consent of the House for second reading of Bill 37 was During most of the week, to dispense with Committee of taken and the motion carried. the Whole House, third reading protestors were present outside The bill was referred to the and inside the House. The public debate of the bill commenced Law Amendments Committee and continued for approximately gallery of the House was cleared where over 200 presenters were once by the Speaker due to the one hour. The motion for third scheduled to speak. At that point reading was carried and the disruptive behaviour of the the House was recessed until public. bill was walked to Government 11:30 pm at which time the hours House for the signature of the were called for the following day, The Government House Lieutenant Governor. April 2. Leader called for extended hours Although only the home- to deal with the budget estimates support employees of one commencing on Monday, April

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 47 7 – days of 6, 8 and 10 hours were to the Chinese community. the critic used PowerPoint slides called daily thereafter. In addition, she noted the displayed on large monitors There have been 40 Bills government will develop a long- in the Chamber to supplement introduced so far this spring term comprehensive strategy to their presentations on Budget sitting – 26 Government, 11 move towards a violence-free BC, 2014/2015. Display monitors Private Members’ and three and will also introduce legislation may be used by the Minister Private Bills. It is expected that to amend BC’s liquor laws and of Finance and a leader of a the House will rise in early May. policy. recognized opposition party, or Leader of the Official designated member thereof, to Annette M. Boucher Opposition Adrian Dix delivered present textual and numerical Assistant Clerk his response to the Speech from information or graphical data, the Throne the following day, while audio, video or other summarizing the speech as images are not be permitted. failing to address BC’s economic Changes to Standing Orders and employment problems. On February 12, the House Budget 2014/2015 unanimously agreed to amend On February 18, Minister of Standing Orders 2(1) and 3 to Finance Mike de Jong delivered make permanent regular sitting what he characterized as a hours that have been the practice “boring” budget for fiscal year of the House since 2009. These 2014/2015, projecting a slim adjustments had previously been surplus of $175 million. Mr. de authorized through sessional Jong pointed out that among orders. the provincial and federal On February 13, the House British Columbia governments, only BC and passed a sessional order Saskatchewan generated balanced amending Standing Orders Speech from the Throne budgets this year; he reiterated 25 and 47a to reschedule Oral As reported in the spring BC’s commitment to promoting Question Period and the daily 2014 issue, the First Session of economic growth and investment Members’ Statements from the 40th Parliament prorogued in communities without running afternoon sittings to mornings on the morning of February a deficit. He also commented on on Tuesdays and Thursdays of 11. The Second Session began the importance of BC’s nascent each sitting week. Oral Question that afternoon, with Lieutenant LNG industry and described the Period and Members’ Statements Governor Judith Guichon LNG tax regime the government on Mondays and Wednesdays delivering a Speech from the intends to implement in the will remain scheduled each Throne which focused on fall. Tax provisions included afternoon. Government House economic development and sheltering credit unions from Leader Mike de Jong indicated the creation of opportunities a negative federal tax change his intention to meet with through maintaining a balanced for another three years and members of the Opposition to budget, opening new markets increasing the tariff on tobacco. assess the impact of the changes for investment, achieving In his response, Opposition following the session. labour stability and supporting finance criticMike Farnworth Legislation development of a liquefied described Budget 2014/2015 natural gas (LNG) industry. as lacking vision. He asserted On March 27, the Government A commitment was also made that government-imposed rate House Leader advised the for a 10-year skills-training increases will mean families Legislature that all bills that action plan to ensure British pay more for medical service formed part of the government’s Columbians benefit from this premiums, ferry fares, home legislative agenda for the economic growth. Ms. Guichon heating, hydro, tuition and basic present spring session had been announced the government’s car insurance. introduced. The Second Session th intention to formally apologize of the 40 Parliament saw the As with the previous budget introduction and First Reading for the historical wrongs done address, both the Minister and

48 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 of 27 Government Bills, ten and minimize the sustained providing recommendations on Members’ Bills and one Private negative impact on the provincial document retention and disposal Bill. At the time of writing, nine economy. applications made to it by the Government Bills have received On March 25, the Government Public Documents Committee. Royal Assent, including: House Leader made an The Public Accounts Committee • Bill 3 — Missing Persons Act: application to the Speaker, holds oversight responsibility Provides the authority for pursuant to Standing Order regarding retention and disposal police to access records and 81, that Bill 25 be permitted to of all records created by the search premises in specified executive of government and its circumstances when the police advance through two or more are conducting a missing stages of debate in one day due agencies, pursuant to Section 3 person investigation. to the urgent need to resolve of the Document Disposal Act, first • Bill 6 — Provincial Capital the dispute. The Speaker took enacted in 1936. Commission Dissolution Act: the matter under advisement, Cabinet Changes Dissolves the Provincial preparing a decision for delivery Capital Commission and the following day. On March On April 11, 2014, Norm transfers its property, assets Letnick was sworn in as Minister and liabilities to the provincial 26, Mr. de Jong, with agreement government, with the exception from the Opposition, requested a of Agriculture, replacing Pat of the Belleville wharves, delay in delivery of the Speaker’s Pimm. Mr. Pimm, who has been which are transferred to the ruling to accommodate labour undergoing treatments for cancer, BC Transportation Financing continues to serve as MLA for Authority. negotiations underway. Prior to moving adjournment of the Peace River North. Mr. Letnick • Bill 15 — Liquor Control House that evening, Mr. de previously served in this portfolio and Licensing Amendment between September 2012 and Act, 2014: Provides for Jong reported resolution of the implementation of 15 out of labour dispute and withdrew his June 2013. 29 provincial liquor policy application for a ruling. review recommendations that Aaron Ellingsen require changes to the Liquor Committee Activity Gordon Robinson Control and Licensing Act. Committee Researchers Highlights include allowing In March 2014, the Legislative the sale of BC wine, craft beer Assembly Management and spirits at farmers’ markets; Committee (LAMC) committed to streamlining requirements for work towards publicly releasing manufacturers so that they can expand on-site tasting venues; the Assembly’s quarterly and allowing hobby brewer financial operating and capital and vintner competitions. reports, including a capital projects update, as part of an Application for Speaker’s Nunavut expanded routine disclosure Ruling process. Work is also underway The 1st Session of the 4th Over 1,000 non-union to disclose — for the first time Legislative Assembly reconvened container truck drivers at Port — Members’ constituency office on March 6, 2014. The Metro Vancouver went on strike expenses, following through proceedings of the Committee on February 26, 2014, where on a September 2013 LAMC of the Whole during the 2014 they were joined by about 250 commitment. These constituency winter sitting of the House were union truck drivers on March 10. office expenses for the January dominated by the consideration On March 24, Minister of Jobs, 1 to March 31, 2014 reporting of the Government of Nunavut’s Tourism and Skills Training and period will be posted on the proposed 2014-2015 capital Minister Responsible for Labour Assembly’s website in late May estimates. Shirley Bond introduced Bill 25, 2014. Port Metro Vancouver Container The winter sitting was the On April 10, Committee first to be broadcast live across Trucking Services Continuation Chair Bruce Ralston presented Act, to impose a cooling-off the territory on direct-to-home the First Report of the Select satellite service, in addition period respecting employers Standing Committee on Public and the union, in order to to existing broadcasts on Accounts for the Second community cable stations. restore functioning of the port Session of the 40th Parliament,

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 49 In April of 2013, Assembly and Executive Council Act government’s mandate statement, representatives from the to provide that the election day Sivumut Abluqta: Stepping Forward Legislative Assembly of for a territorial general election Together. Speaker Qulaut tabled a Nunavut and the Legislative must be the last Monday in copy of the new Code of Conduct Assembly of the Northwest October in the fourth calendar for Members of the Legislative Territories appeared before the year following the election day Assembly. Canadian Radio-television and for the most recent general The 2nd Session of the 4th Telecommunications Commission election. Consequently, the next Legislative Assembly reconvened (CRTC) on the occasion of its territorial general election will be for its spring sitting on May 22, public hearing concerning the held on October 30, 2017. 2014. legislatures’ joint application for Bill 1 fulfilled a commitment mandatory distribution. that was announced as part of Committee Activities In August of 2013, the CRTC the communiqué which was The membership and terms issued a decision requiring issued following the February of reference for the standing mandatory carriage of the 18-21, 2014, full caucus retreat. committees of the 4th Legislative televised proceedings of the The retreat, which was held in Assembly were established by territorial legislatures on the the community of Kugluktuk, way of motion on March 6, 2014. digital basic service of the direct- brought together all Members The committees are: to-home satellite broadcasting of the Legislative Assembly. • Standing Committee on distribution undertakings serving Other decisions and initiatives Legislation; Nunavut and the Northwest announced by caucus included: • Standing Committee on Territories. • The holding of a territory-wide Oversight of Government plebiscite in 2015 concerning Operations and Public Legislation the alienation of municipal Accounts; Five bills received Assent lands, pursuant to Article • Standing Committee on Social 14.8.4 of the Nunavut Land Wellness; during the winter sitting: Claims Agreement. The vote, • Bill 1, An Act to Provide for a which will be held under the • Standing Committee on Fixed Election Date; auspices of the recently-passed Community and Economic Plebiscites Act, will ask residents Development; and • Bill 2, Appropriation (Capital) to consider the question of Act, 2014-2015; • Standing Committee on Rules, whether the current restrictions Procedures and Privileges. • Bill 3, Supplementary applying to the disposal Appropriation (Operations and of municipal lands should The Standing Committee Maintenance) Act, No. 3, 2013- continue. on Legislation, which is 2014; • The adoption of a new Code chaired by Arviat South MLA • Bill 4, Supplementary of Conduct for Members of the Joe Savikataaq, is presently Appropriation (Capital) Act, No. Legislative Assembly. considering the proposed 4, 2013-2014; and • The holding of a mid-term Northern Employee Benefits • Bill 5, Interim Appropriation Act, leadership review of the Services Pension Plan Act, which April 1, 2014 – July 31, 2014. Executive Council (Cabinet) was introduced in the House Bill 1, An Act to Provide for in the fall of 2015. Caucus on March 20, 2014. The bill sets agreed that the review a Fixed Election Date, was the will be broadened from out the proposed legislative first bill to be introduced in the past exercises to include framework for the continuation current Legislative Assembly. such matters as the size of of the Northern Employee Bill 1 was introduced under Cabinet and the Legislative Benefits Services plan as a multi- the authority of the Legislative Assembly’s standing committee employer, multi-jurisdictional structure. Assembly’s Management and pension plan for employees of Services Board. Speaker George The 1st Session of the 4th approved public sector employers Qulaut appeared before the Legislative Assembly was in northern Canada. A piece of Committee of the Whole on the prorogued on March 19, 2014. mirror legislation was introduced occasion of its clause-by-clause The 2nd Session convened the in the Legislative Assembly of consideration of the bill. following day. Commissioner the Northwest Territories on Edna Elias delivered the Bill 1 amended the Nunavut February 26, 2014. Opening Address. Premier Peter Elections Act and the Legislative Taptuna tabled a copy of the new

50 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 The Standing Committee 2013-2014. Highlights of the and income assistance rental on Oversight of Government government’s budget included: allowance rates to 75 per cent of median market rents; Operations and Public Accounts, • Creating jobs and more which is chaired by Iqaluit- opportunities for young people • failing to provide promised tax Tasiluk MLA George Hickes, while keeping life affordable relief for seniors; held hearings from April 1 to and protecting the front-line • stifling economic growth and services families count on; 3, 2014, on the reports of the prosperity through excessive red tape and unwarranted Auditor General of Canada to • Creating more apprenticeship and training opportunities taxation; and the Legislative Assembly on to help grow Manitoba’s • failing to join the New West Education in Nunavut and Safety workforce by 75,000 by 2020; Partnership. of Schools and Childcare Facilities in • Setting up a five-year plan On March 18, 2014 Mr. Nunavut. to invest $5.5 billion in core Pallister’s amendment was The hearings were televised infrastructure to improve the province’s roads, bridges, defeated on a recorded vote of live across Nunavut on local flood protection and municipal yeas 19, nays 35, while the main community cable channels and infrastructure and create tens budget motion carried on a direct-to-home satellite service. of thousands of jobs; recorded vote of yeas 34, nays 20. Auditor General Michael • Achieving further Ferguson and officials from administrative savings to Legislation be reinvested in front-line the Government of Nunavut’s In addition to the bills Department of Education and services for families including the extension of corporate introduced in the fall, the spring Department of Community and administrative spending session to date has seen the Government Services appeared caps to all regional health introduction of approximately before the standing committee to authorities; and 16 bills addressing a variety of provide testimony. • Creating a lean council tasked governance areas including: with providing advice to Alex Baldwin government on new ways • Bill 37 – The Public Schools to offer better services more Amendment Act (Connecting Office of the Legislative Assembly of Schools to the Internet), which Nunavut efficiently across government departments. enables school boards to enter into cost-sharing agreements to Opposition’s Response to the establish or improve Internet Budget services in schools. • Bill 49 – The Manitoba During his contribution to Public Insurance Corporation the budget debate on March 7, Amendment Act, which 2014, Official Opposition Leader enhances the ability to gather Brian Pallister moved a motion information relevant to insurance claims. Under this expressing non-confidence in the bill, MPI is granted authority government which stated that to obtain information from the budget failed to address the certain public bodies, persons priorities of Manitobans by: who claim benefits and persons claiming payment for goods or • failing to repeal the massive tax services. and fee increases imposed in Manitoba Budget 2012 and Budget 2013, • Bill 52 – The Non-Smokers including the PST hike; Health Protection Amendment Act (Prohibitions on Flavoured Budget • refusing to hold the legally Tobacco and Other Amendments), required referendum before which prohibits the sale or The Third Session of the 40th increasing the PST; supply of flavoured tobacco Legislature resumed on March • breaking the promise to products and also repeals 6, 2014, with the delivery of the eliminate the structural deficit the exemption allowing a first budget from new Finance of nearly $400 million; parent to provide tobacco to his or her child in a non- • failing to address the growing Minister Jennifer Howard. public place. Menthol tobacco threat to services Manitobans products, snuff and chewing The 2014-2015 total operating count on such as health and tobacco are exempt from this expenditure of $12.3 billion social supports; prohibition. represents an increase of 2% from • failing to raise the employment

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 51 • Bill 55 – The Environment Committee of Supply Current Party Standings Amendment Act (Reducing Pesticides Exposure), which The Committee of Supply The current party standings prohibits the use of prescribed considered the Estimates of the in the Manitoba Legislature classes or types of pesticides Departmental Expenditures are: NDP 36, Progressive on lawns and on the grounds from March 19 to April 30, 2014. Conservatives 19, Independents of schools, hospitals and child care centres, except in specific During this period, resolutions to two. circumstances. approve departmental spending Under the terms of the Rules • Bill 59 – The Adoption were passed and motions were and the Sessional Order, the Amendment and Vital Statistics moved in certain departments House did not meet during Amendment Act (Opening Birth to reduce the ministers’ salaries spring break from March 31 to and Adoption Records), which to various dollar amounts. All April 4 and during the week creates a scheme that allows motions were defeated. for more openness with respect considered as Constituency Week to adoption records and pre- As a result of the Sessional from May 5 to 9, 2014. adoption birth records, subject Order adopted on September 11, to certain privacy rights. 2013, the Committee of Supply Monique Grenier • Bill 212 – The Child and Family also considered and passed Clerk Assistant/ Services Amendment Act, which supply resolutions dealing with Clerk of Committees requires a child and family services agency, when it temporary funding for operating proposes to remove a child and capital expenditures until the from the care of a caregiver in Assembly deals with the main the absence of child protection supply bills later this session. plans, to prepare a written As a result, Bill 40 – The Interim plan, notify the caregiver in writing about its intentions Appropriation Act, 2014 received and explain its reasons for the Royal Assent on March 27, 2014. proposal and its assessment of the factors relevant to Standing Committees Newfoundland and determining how the proposed Labrador move may affect the child; Manitoba Standing Committee activity this quarter included the and, once the final decision is New Session made to carry out the proposal, following meetings: give the caregiver a written • Legislative Affairs Committee – On the morning of March decision and provide copies to consider the appointment of 12, 2014, J. Derek Green, Chief of the notice and decision to the Children’s Advocate; the authority under which the Justice of Newfoundland mandated agency operates. • Sub-Committee of the and Labrador, prorogued the Legislative Affairs Committee Second Session of the Forty- Opposition Day Motion – met in camera on two Seventh General Assembly. In separate occasions regarding On April 17, 2014 Kelvin the recruitment and selection the afternoon he delivered the Goertzen moved an opposition of a new Auditor General and a Speech from the Throne opening day motion urging that “a Special new Ombudsman; the Third Session of the Forty- Committee of the Legislative • Public Accounts Committee – Seventh General Assembly. Assembly be appointed to to consider several fiscal years of the Public Accounts Volumes Members investigate the conduct of the as well as the report from the Former Premier First Minister and the Member for Auditor General – Operations Kathy Riel with respect to the issuing of the Office. Dunderdale, who had resigned as Premier on January 24, 2014, of invitations to provincial civil Under the provisions resigned her seat on February 28. servants and immigration service of the Sessional Order, the providers to attend a political Public Accounts Committee is Sam Slade, MHA, Carbonear- debate in the House on April 19, required to have 10 meetings Harbour Grace who was elected 2012 concerning immigration between September 11, 2013 on November 26, 2013 took settlement services.” Following and September 11, 2014. This his seat before the House was the debate, the motion was committee has held five meetings prorogued. defeated on a vote of yeas 19, as of March 19, 2014. Liberal candidate Cathy nays 28. Bennett was elected in the

52 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 District of Virginia Waters in the social services and labour force by-election which took place on development. April 19. Ms. Bennett was sworn Prior to the budget in and took her seat in the House presentation, the Opposition on May 5. laid out seven items they wished On June 2nd Minister of to see in the budget. According Environment and Conservation, to the Opposition, six out of Joan Shea resigned her seat. seven of their requests were The composition of the not met. Finance Critic Trent House is now 33 Progressive Wotherspoon criticized the Conservatives, 12 Liberals and government for not addressing three New Democrats. the high cost of living, citing Saskatchewan increases to monthly bills Appointment of Sergeant-at- from some of the Crown Arms The third session of the 27th Corporations and less transfers Legislative Assembly resumed to municipalities as ways the On March 18, by Resolution, on March 3, 2014. Some of the the House approved the government is pushing pressure highlights included the Budget onto property tax. The item appointment of Wayne Harnum presentation and debate on as Sergeant-at-Arms. Mr. that was included in the budget several government bills and was the presentation of the Harnum, who succeeds Bill motions. budget on a summary basis and Brown, is a 30-year veteran of the Royal Newfoundland Government Motions the requirement that only the Constabulary, having retired as summary financial statements are Several government motions included in the public accounts. Staff Sergeant before taking up were debated and passed in his new position. For many years, the Provincial the spring sitting. The first Auditor recommended that Leadership Renewal two government motions were the government produce their moved by unanimous consent budget and financial statements The leadership convention under Rule 61 – urgent and on a summary basis. This change for the Progressive Conservative pressing necessity. These motions was included in the Financial Party scheduled to take place in focused on grain transportation Administration Amendment Act, July will now consider only one and the crisis in Ukraine. Three 2014. candidate, Frank Coleman, as additional government motions the other two candidates have sought support for the Northern Legislation withdrawn. Gateway pipeline, the Canada- The Assembly passed two On May 17th at their annual Korea Free Trade Agreement bills that relate to the Legislative convention the New Democratic and the use of a P3 model in the Assembly and Executive Council Party of Newfoundland and construction of a new bridge Act, 2007. Labrador affirmedLorraine in the city of Saskatoon. An Bill No. 129 – The Executive Michael as leader. amendment to the motion on the P3 model was proposed but Government Administration The House adjourned for the defeated. Act establishes the Office of summer on June 5th on which Executive Council, consolidates date Tom Marshall spoke in the Budget Presentation the provisions of The Government House for the last time as Premier Organization Act, The Tabling of to bid farewell to the Members. On March 19, 2014, Finance Minister Ken Krawetz presented Documents Act, 1991 and The In his comments the Premier Federal-Provincial Agreements Act. indicated that he suspected that the province’s budget for 2014- 2015. The Budget entitled Steady It is accompanied by Bill No. it would also be the last time he 130 - The Executive Government addressed the House as an MHA. Growth focused on infrastructure investments for highways, Administration Consequential hospitals, high-speed data Amendments Act, 2013. This Act Elizabeth Murphy provides separate acts for both Clerk Assistant networks and education capital. The government cited significant Executive Government and the planned expenditures in health, Legislative Assembly. This is

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 53 the first time that there will be Saskatchewan Teachers’ have remarked that this program separate statutes for the two Institute on Parliamentary has given them the ability to branches of government. Democracy teach children about citizenship, the democratic system and the Speaker Dan D’Autremont Interparliamentary Relations importance of voting. welcomed 16 teachers to the The Province of Saskatchewan Saskatchewan Teachers’ Institute Stacey Ursulescu and the State of Western that was held from April 5 to 9, Committee Clerk Australia share a great number 2014. This year marked the 17th of similarities including anniversary of the program. parliamentary institutions, socio-economic circumstances, The first Saskatchewan issues of national-provincial Teachers’ Institute on relations, First Nations matters Parliamentary Democracy and cultural diversity. In July was held in 1999, with the aim Northwest Territories 2012 the Legislative Assembly of developing a strategy to of Saskatchewan and the enhance the understanding The Fifth Session of the 17th Western Australia Parliament of parliamentary democracy Legislative Assembly reconvened agreed in principle to pursue a in the classroom. Since then, February 5, 2014. The six-week parliamentary study exchange. over 200 teachers from across session saw the consideration Saskatchewan have participated and adoption of 18 pieces The goal of the study exchange in the institute. During the five- of legislation, including the is to encourage practical day Institute teacher participants Appropriation Act for operations professional development receive a behind-the-scenes expenditures for the 2014-15 fiscal through learning from each look at democracy at work. year as well as 10 bills directly other, through the examination Participants have the opportunity related to the implementation of practices and by the sharing to meet with the Lieutenant of the Devolution Agreement of information and experiences. Governor, the Speaker, the with the Government of Canada. Members and staff must apply to Premier, cabinet ministers, caucus Responsibility for public lands, participate in the program with leaders, Whips and Chairs, as water and resource management a statement of interest describing well as with private members, was transferred effective April their purpose of participation, the Clerk and other members of 1, 2014 from the Government of their goals and objectives, the Legislative Assembly Service, Canada to the Government of specific area of interest, and Officers of the Assembly, the the Northwest Territories. For how the exchange relates to and press gallery association and the the first time, Northerners will may enhance their roles. The judiciary. be able to pass laws and make program for members consists their own decisions about how of two parts – one part relating Speakers’ Outreach the environment is managed and to the operation of Parliament, Speaker D’Autremont protected and the resources are and the second to focus on a continues to do presentations developed. This was an historic special interest determined by as part of the Speaker’s occasion in the ongoing evolution the participants. Participants Educational Outreach Program of the territory. are matched with members of on Parliamentary Democracy. the host parliament who have Budget 2014-2015 The program aims to promote similar interests. The hosting awareness and understanding On February 6, Finance members are expected to make of the Legislative Assembly and Minister J. Michael Miltenberger the arrangements for the second the democratic process through a presented the 2014-15 territorial part of the study visit. non-partisan approach. This year operations budget. The biggest The first cycle of the exchange has seen an increase in interest highlight of the $1.612 billion took place in September 2013, and participation as a result budget is the $59 million to when a Saskatchewan study of direct communication with administer the new land, water delegation visited Western social studies teachers across the and resource management Australia. A Western Australia province. Speaker D’Autremont programs and services. This delegation visited Saskatchewan completed 25 presentations from is to be funded through a for two weeks in April. January to April 2014. Teachers $67 million increase in the

54 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Gross Expenditure Base in the did not propose any increase new exterior building sign, the Territorial Formula Financing to the 19 Member Legislative rejuvenation of the Water’s Edge Grant. Other highlights include Assembly. The Bill was reported Park and the establishment of $27 million in new investments in out of Committee of the Whole an ongoing scholarship fund health and education to expand on March 12 and remains on the for NWT students. Work is also economic opportunities as well as Order paper with Third Reading underway for signage upgrades $54 million to address increased scheduled when the Fifth Session in the Capital Site area that will salary costs and other forced resumes in May. serve as landmarks and guide growth pressures for existing visitors and tourists to our programs. The Appropriation Act Term Extension Request building and other important received Third Reading on March The next NWT general public institutions located on the 7 and Royal Assent on March 13, election is currently scheduled, Capital Site. 2014. by way of fixed-date election Direct-to-Home Satellite legislation, for October 5, 2015. Legislation Television Broadcasting This is the same month as the Other bills of particular next scheduled federal general In August 2013, the interest that were considered election and municipal elections Canadian Radio-television and include Bill 4: Health Information in several NWT communities. Telecommunications Commission Act, which was introduced in Some provinces with elections approved a joint submission from November and referred to the scheduled for the fall of 2015 the Legislative Assemblies of the Standing Committee on Social have already extended their NWT and Nunavut, requesting Programs. The bill establishes terms in order to avoid overlap mandatory distribution of rules regarding the collection, in election periods, or are Assembly proceedings. use, disclosure and security of considering doing so in the near Commencing in February, our personal health information. future. In an effort to avoid proceedings are now being The Committee held public significant communications and carried through direct-to-home hearings in February and March administrative difficulties, as well satellite providers Bell Express and proposed and adopted as the possibility of lower voter Vu and Shaw Direct, giving amendments broadening the participation rates, the Assembly northerners and Canadians bill’s purpose statement, as well adopted a motion on March 10 another option to view the as adding a mandatory review requesting an amendment to the proceedings of our legislature. clause requiring the Minister federal Northwest Territories Act These dedicated channels to conduct a review of the Act that would authorize the current are being shared with the within 10 years of its enactment. Assembly to extend its term, from Nunavut Legislative Assembly. The bill received Third Reading the current four years, to a period Broadcasting will not be limited on March 12 and Royal Assent on not exceeding five years. On a to just the formal proceedings March 13, 2014. recorded vote, the motion was of the House and will include On March 6, amendments carried by an 11-7 margin. rebroadcasts in our Aboriginal languages, public meetings of the to the Legislative Assembly Building Anniversary Projects and Executive Council Act committees, special events and were introduced to revise November 2013 marked the archival materials. 20th Anniversary of the NWT the electoral districts of the Extended Adjournment Northwest Territories. The Legislative Assembly building. bill proposed changes to the The final mortgage payment has The House went into extended electoral boundaries within been made and full ownership adjournment on March 13 and the communities of Hay River, of our magnificent facility has will resume on Wednesday, May Inuvik and Yellowknife, and been assumed. Surplus funding 28, 2014. moved the areas of Lutselk’e, Fort received from the Legislative Resolution, Detah and Ndilo to Assembly Building Society was Doug Schauerte a new Tu Nedhe and Weledeh then committed to a number of Deputy Clerk electoral district. The status quo celebration and enhancement is maintained in the remaining projects that will be completed seven constituencies. Bill 18 over the summer months. The ongoing projects include a

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 55 The Speaker stated that it is posing his question, and therefore: dangerous to make therefore committed a contempt allegations about requests for of the Legislature. Mr. Fedeli unanimous consent, and even maintained that he referred to a more so to attribute motive for the set of redacted documents that perceived refusal, since by their were to be made public. nature requests for unanimous Both Mr. Milloy’s and Mr. consent are handled without Fedeli’s submissions refer to an debate and therefore without any Order of the Standing Committee opportunity for a member to state on Estimates that protected Ontario a position for or against. certain documents received by The Speaker delivered another the Committee as confidential. After a busy winter ruling on March 3, this time Consequently, the Speaker adjournment for its committees, relating to provincial legislation contended that the “power rests the Ontario Legislature resumed that provides for Members with the Standing Committee its Second Session of the Fortieth representing areas in eastern or on Estimates which, as the Parliament. Speaker Dave Levac southwestern Ontario to be given custodian of the documents in made a number of rulings during the opportunity to participate in question, is best able to decide the period of February to April public announcements relating to if the allegation of improper 2014, some of which are outlined financial assistance or incentives disclosure is correct.” The matter below. affecting the area. The Member was therefore prematurely for Elgin-Middlesex-London, Jeff brought to the attention of the Speaker’s Rulings Yurek, gave notice of his intention House. As with all matters of On February 25, the Speaker to raise a point of privilege that privilege relating to Committees, ruled on a point of privilege such a public announcement was the Committee in question must raised by Gilles Bisson, Member made in his riding but that he was adopt and present a report to the for Timmins-James Bay, regarding given no notice or opportunity to House. a request by Todd Smith, participate. On April 14, the Speaker ruled Member for Prince Edward- The Speaker ruled that on a point of privilege raised by Hastings for unanimous consent the application of privilege is Mr. Fedeli relating to alleged to have his just-introduced bill “confined to proceedings in Budget leaks. He referenced a immediately called for Second parliament, and to the activities of document that he said outlines and Third Reading. Mr. Bisson members in their parliamentary the government’s plan to pre- noted that Mr. Smith, having not roles.” Because this issue announce the contents of the received the unanimous consent concerned constituency-related Budget. His case was that the requested, issued an open letter work, the Speaker could not find “announcements represent saying that a member or members a prima facie case of privilege. an improper disclosure of of the Third Party, of which Even though the Speaker found information that first ought to Mr. Bisson is the House Leader, that privilege was not breached, be given to the Legislature.” He said “no” to the request. Mr. he noted that “complying with also sought to make a distinction Bisson asserted that his caucus the law is always a good policy.” between a breach of privilege was in favour of the request and On March 25, the Speaker and contempt of the Legislature, therefore would not have said no, ruled on a point of privilege arguing that this case is similar while Mr. Smith said that it was raised by the Government to the 2003 “Magna Budget”, his honest belief that there were House Leader, John Milloy, when the government of the “noes” from the Third Party. relating to a question posed to day presented the Budget at the The Speaker ruled that a prima the Minister of Finance during Magna facility instead of at the facie case of privilege was not Oral Questions the week Legislature. In that case, Speaker made out. The ayes or nays on a before. Mr. Milloy charged Gary Carr found that a prima request for unanimous consent that Vic Fedeli, Member for facie case of contempt had been are not recorded; thus there was Nipissing, knowingly “disclosed established. no record of which members the contents of a confidential In his ruling, Speaker Levac might have declined consent. committee document” while noted that it has been widely

56 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 settled that a “breach of budget tabled its Report on Diluted Throughout February, secrecy does not equate to a Chemotherapy Drugs. The Report March and April, the Standing matter of privilege.” Procedural is a result of many months of Committee on Public Accounts authorities and previous rulings public hearings and report continued its consideration of have deemed budget secrecy as a writing relating to the oversight, the 2012 Special Report of the Office political convention rather than a monitoring and regulation of of the Auditor General of Ontario parliamentary privilege. He cited non-accredited pharmaceutical on Ornge Air Ambulance and a number of these authorities and companies. This study was Related Services. After two years rulings, including Speaker Carr’s initiated when it became known of consideration, the Committee ruling on the “Magna Budget.” that patients in Ontario received is now working on its second In this case, the Speaker found diluted doses of chemotherapy interim report. that a prima facie case of privilege drugs. The Committee made six In addition to the work had not been made out because recommendations hoping that surrounding Ornge, the he could not find that “there is similar situations are avoided in Committee has also requested any intention on the part of the the future. the Auditor General to complete government to similarly bypass The Committee continued several value-for-money audits or pre-empt normal procedures its review of the Local Health within various public entities in of the Legislative Assembly with System Integration Act, and the province. Since February 2014, respect to the 2014 Budget.” the regulations made under the Committee has asked the Condolences it, pursuant to an Order of Auditor General to complete the the House. It also held public following value-for-money audits: On April 10, while proceedings hearings on Bill 135, An Act to the Winter Road Maintenance were going on in the House and protect pupils with asthma, a Private Program; a review of all Committees, Members and staff Member’s Public Bill introduced community care access centres in were shocked to learn that Jim by Mr. Yurek. The bill is seeking the province of Ontario; and all Flaherty had suddenly passed to require that every school board security contracts surrounding away that afternoon. Within establish and maintain an asthma the Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan moments of the news, the House policy. Am Games. observed a moment of silence in respect for Mr. Flaherty’s death The Standing Committee on The Standing Committee on and then recessed for a few General Government continued Regulations and Private Bills held An Act minutes. Subsequently, upon its self-directed study and review public hearings on Bill 69, respecting payments made under receiving representation from of the 2015 Pan/Parapan American contracts and subcontracts in the the House Leaders, the Deputy Games and the Pan/Parapan construction industry Speaker adjourned the House and American Games Secretariat . Introduced Committees for the rest of the (P/PAGS), established under by Steven Del Duca, Member day. Standing Order 111. To date, for Vaughan, the bill sets out there have been 12 days of public various rules and requirements in Mr. Flaherty was the Member hearings, with further hearings relation to payments made under of Provincial Parliament for expected to continue through construction contracts. Durham Centre from 1995 to 1999 early June. Witnesses invited by and for Whitby-Ajax from 1999 to On March 5, the Select the Committee have included Committee on Developmental 2005. He was the sitting Member Saäd Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Parliament for Whitby- Services presented its interim of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am / report. The report is a summary Oshawa and had just resigned Parapan Am Games Organizing from his post as the Minister of of the oral and written Committee, as well as the Deputy submissions received by the Finance in the Canadian House Minister of P/PAGS, Steven of Commons. A state funeral was Committee over the previous four Davidson, who was called back to months. The Committee’s final held in his honour on April 16 in appear a second time. Toronto. reporting date has been extended The Committee further to not later than June 5, 2014. Committee Activities continued its self-directed study relating to the auto insurance Valerie Quioc Lim On April 1, the Standing industry, and began report Committee Clerk Committee on Social Policy writing in March.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 57 without drug coverage; and Bill 51, An Act Respecting $7.2 million for the “Home First Members’ Pensions, introduced Strategy,” helping seniors stay in by Premier David Alward, their own homes. would adopt a shared-risk Spending reduction initiatives pension model for MLAs, placing include reducing the number Members into the Public Service of MLAs from 55 to 49 in the Shared-Risk Pension with next election and making government employees. Members reductions to the public service would retain service accrued to sector through the retirement date, but new service would be and attrition of approximately calculated differently. The age for 1,500 employees. There were no unreduced retirement on future planned increases to gas, income service would increase from 60 to and consumption taxes, or to 65. Changes are expected to save major fees, including vehicle taxpayers $1.3 million annually. New Brunswick licensing and registration. Bill 56, Organ and Tissue The 2014-2015 Capital Budget Donation Strategy Act, introduced by Wes McLean, requires the Budget totaled $555 million. The majority of the expenditures will Minister of Health to create an The House adjourned on go towards maintaining existing Organ and Tissue Donation December 13 and resumed sitting infrastructure, with $35 million Strategy, which would include on February 4, when Finance in capital spending dedicated collaboration with various Minister Blaine Higgs tabled the to new projects. Highlights stakeholders to promote public 2014-2015 Budget, the fourth for include $223 million to repair awareness through government the Alward Government. and maintain transportation departments, schools and Regional Health Authorities. The provincial government infrastructure; $213 million This is the first Private Member’s projected a deficit of $391 for health-care infrastructure; Public Bill introduced by a million. Revenues are expected to and $99 million for school Government Member since 1999. increase 4.3 per cent from 2013-14 infrastructure. estimates, exceeding $8 billion. On February 6, Finance Critic Legislation introduced by the Spending is budgeted to increase Roger Melanson responded to Official Opposition includes; less than two per cent over the the Budget speech. Melanson Bill 46, Government Advertising previous year. spoke at length on the issues Accountability Act, introduced by “The challenge is to create surrounding hydrofracking. He Leader of the Official Opposition the opportunities to keep New questioned why the government Brian Gallant, would prevent Brunswickers home. We have had not yet balanced the budget, the airing or publishing of chosen to put our natural despite cuts to frontline services government advertisements that resources to work for the people and increased taxes and fees are deemed partisan or political. of this province. New Brunswick in recent years, including gas, The Act would apply to any has a long history of developing tobacco and income taxes. type of advertisement that the its mineral and forest resources Melanson also raised concerns government proposes to pay for. about a number of unfulfilled in a socially, economically and Party Affiliation environmentally sustainable campaign promises, including manner to provide jobs, stimulate the elimination of ambulance Jim Parrott, Member for investment, generate wealth and fees, the doubling of medical Fundy-River Valley, rejoined the grow the economy,” said Higgs. seats in universities and freezing Progressive Conservative caucus property taxes for those over 65 on April 30. Parrott was removed Investment highlights years of age. from Caucus in 2012, and sat as included an increase of three an Independent PC, and later as per cent to social assistance Legislation an Independent. The standings in rates, $27 million for the New Legislation introduced by the the House are now 42 Progressive Brunswick Drug Plan, providing Government since the spring Conservative and 13 Liberal. drug insurance to 70,000 families sitting includes;

58 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Lighting 4-H Debate in the Legislative Chamber On April 2, the portico of the Legislative Assembly As part of their annual building was lit in blue in conference on citizenship support of Light It Up Blue, a and parliamentary process, campaign launched by Autism 4-H Canada held a debate in Speaks to help raise awareness the Legislative Chamber of about autism. Ryan Riordon, Province House on April 14, the Member for Nepisiguit 2014. Youth from across Canada who took the initiative on the participated, debating the lighting, was joined by Premier motion, “Be it resolved that an Alward, Speaker Dale Graham, Prince Edward Island equal representation of both and Minister of Education and men and women should exist Early Childhood Development The Fourth Session of the among government leaders.” In Marie-Claude Blais, along with Sixty-fourth General Assembly addition to the proceedings at members of the Chaleur Autism resumed on April 2, 2014. On Province House, the program and Asperger Family Centre for April 9, 2014, Kathleen Casey included visits to Lennox Island the lighting of the building. (Charlottetown-Lewis Point) to view a Mi’kmaq cultural was elected Acting Deputy presentation, the Acadian Retirement Speaker during the absence of Museum and a tour of the north Deputy Speaker Paula Biggar On February 20, Speaker shore of Prince Edward Island. (Tyne Valley-Linkletter), who Graham announced he would is expected to be away from Significant Legislation not be seeking re-election in the Legislative Assembly for a the upcoming general election, A number of pieces of number of weeks. scheduled for September 22. significant legislation were Graham was first elected as the Budget 2013 introduced during the spring Member for Carleton North in sitting : a by-election in 1993. He was Wes Sheridan, Minister of Finance and Municipal Affairs, • An Act to Amend the Election subsequently re-elected from Act (Bill 34) provides for 1995 to 2010, representing the introduced his budget on an exception to the current riding of Carleton. Graham has April 8, 2014, which contained requirement to hold expenditures of $1.656 billion. provincial general elections held the positions of Deputy on the first Monday in Premier, Minister of Supply Health continued to account for the largest share of provincial October in the fourth calendar and Services, Minister of year following the last general Human Resources, Minister expenditure at over $583 million, election, thus avoiding the Responsible for Service New followed by Education and possibility of having two Early Childhood Development general elections–one federal Brunswick, and Acting Minister and one provincial–in October of Environment and Local at $232 million. The minister indicated revenues will grow 2015. If the federal general Government. He has served on election is held in October numerous committees and held in 2014-2015 by 3.3 per cent, 2015, the provincial general the position of Opposition Whip while expenditures will be held election will be held in April 2016. and critic for Natural Resources, to two per cent. The following Mines and Energy, and Supply year, revenues are expected • An Act to Amend the Financial to grow by 3.5 percent while Administration Act (Bill 41) and Services. He was elected allows for the Comptroller to Speaker of the 57th Legislative expenditures grow by 1 percent. For the 2013-2014 fiscal year, be appointed under the Civil Assembly on October 27, 2010. Service Act. The Comptroller the government improved on its is currently appointed by John-Patrick McCleave budget target of a $58.9 million the Lieutenant Governor in deficit, with a forecast deficit of Council. Committee Clerk, Research Assistant $51.9 million. In the upcoming • Health Information Act (Bill fiscal year, there will be a further 42) establishes a set of rules reduction in the deficit to $39.7 for custodians regarding the million before achieving a small collection, use, disclosure, retention and secure surplus in 2015-2016.

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 59 destruction of personal on March 25. On April 10, the health information; enables Senate adopted a motion to allow the sharing and accessing of for the pre-study of a bill still personal health information where appropriate to improve before the House of Commons. the provision of health The First Nations Control of First services and the planning Nations Education Act (C-33) that and management of the involves education standards for health care system; provides aboriginal communities was sent individuals with the right to examine, and to request to the Standing Senate Committee corrections to, their personal on Aboriginal Peoples. health information. The pre-study of a bill that is Province House Repairs still in the Commons, is a Senate practice that was commonly used Province House was closed in the 1970s and it has once again for the month of February become an option of interest to 2014 for repairs to ceilings, The Senate the government. In addition to gutters and downspouts. It the pre-study of Bill C-33, the reopened to the public on During the spring session, Senate authorized the Standing March 24, 2014, a week prior to two bills relating to Aboriginal Senate Committee on Legal and the resumption of the session. Peoples and the subject matter Constitutional Affairs to pre- The building remains in need of another were the object of study Bill C-23, the Fair Elections of major restoration, which debate. One, Bill C-16, which was Act and the committee issued will likely require an extended granted Royal Assent on March an interim report on the bill on closure, and the relocation of 4, gives effect to the Governance April 15 with proposals for nine the Legislative Chamber and Agreement with Sioux Valley amendments. Another pre-study associated staff and offices, Dakota Nation. The purpose motion was passed on April 9; potentially as soon as 2015. of the bill is to provide this this one, dealing with the budget community greater control over Royal Tour implementation bill (C-31), its affairs in a way that is more was sent to the Standing Senate On April 11, 2014, the transparent, accountable and Committee on National Finance details of a Royal Tour to responsive to local needs. This is while portions of the bill was sent Prince Edward Island by Their to be done by promoting better to five other committees for the Royal Highnesses The Prince living conditions and by fostering purpose of the pre-study. Also, of Wales and the Duchess of a positive climate for investment on the financial front, the usual Cornwall were announced. The and economic development. supply bills were studied by the province will host Their Royal The second legislative measure Standing Senate Committee on Highnesses on May 19 and 20, , Bill C-15, deals with the National Finance and passed by 2014. “Prince Edward Island is transfer of resource control and the Senate in March. delighted to be included in this management in the Northwest Committees historic tour during 2014 as we Territories, specifically through celebrate the 150th anniversary devolution of land and resource In addition to the three pre- of the Charlottetown management from Ottawa to the studies of Commons’ bills, the Conference,” said Premier Government of the Northwest Standing Senate Committee on Robert Ghiz. “The Royal Tour Territories, and the improvement Official Languages issued its is a wonderful opportunity to of the regulatory regime in the third report, entitled: CBC/Radio- showcase the history, natural Northwest Territories. This will Canada’s Language Obligations, beauty, vibrant culture and be achieved by removing barriers Communities Want to See people of our province.” to private investment, enhancing Themselves and Be Heard Coast environmental stewardship, and to Coast!. The committeetook Marian Johnston investing in programs to support an in-depth look at the key Clerk Assistant and economic growth and provide role this federal institution Clerk of Committees opportunities for Northerners. plays in the advancement of This bill received Royal Assent Canada’s linguistic duality and

60 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 the development of official- House of Commons to invite changes to spending limits on language minority communities. the Auditor General to conduct fundraising. After being time In making its recommendations, a comprehensive audit of their allocated, the Bill was read the Senate Committee first expenses, along the lines of the the second time and referred considered the conditions of audit currently underway in the to the Standing Committee on licence issued to the Corporation Senate. The objection was that the Procedure and House Affairs on by the Canadian Radio-television motion is an instruction to the February 10, 2014. On February and Telecommunications House of Commons and would 10, 2014, an opposition motion, Commission. It then highlighted not respect the autonomy of the which sought to instruct the importance for the houses in a bicameral Parliament. the Standing Committee on Corporation to act in the spirit of In his ruling, the Speaker allowed Procedure and House Affairs as the Official Languages Act. for the debate to continue on the to the manner in which it should In February, the Standing basis that although the language consider and report the Bill, was Committee on Rules, Procedures “call upon” might be considered defeated. and the Rights of Parliament strong or ambiguous, it is up to An unprecedented situation presented three reports amending the Senate as a whole to decide arose in February with respect the Rules of the Senate. Amongst if debate should proceed on the to private Member’s Bill C-461, other things, the definition of matter. An Act to amend the Access to critic and sponsor was added Information Act and the Privacy to the Rules and a limit on how Vanessa-Moss Norbury Act (disclosure of information) many times senators can adjourn Procedural Clerk sponsored by Brent Rathgeber an item of non-government (Edmonton—St. Albert). The business in their name for Bill had been reported with the balance of their time was amendments by the Standing introduced. Committee on Access to The Standing Committee on Information, Privacy and Ethics Conflict of Interest for Senators in the last session and reinstated presented a report amending at report stage in the current the Conflict of the Interest Code session. After all recorded for Senators. The Committee divisions had taken place exercises general and constant on report stage motions, Mr. oversight over the conflict of Rathgeber informed the Chair interest regime applicable to that he did not wish either to Senators and, as part of this House of Commons proceed further with the Bill or mandate, regularly assesses to move the motion to concur in and reviews the Code. The The Second Session of the the Bill at report stage. Pursuant Committee’s report, presented Forty-First Parliament resumed to Standing Order 94, which in March and adopted on April on January 27, 2014. The allows the Speaker to make 1, amends those sections dealing information below covers the all arrangements necessary to with the inquiry process under period from February 1 to April ensure the orderly conduct of the Code. 30, 2014. Private Members’ Business, the Speaker ruled that the order for All committee reports Legislation concurrence at report stage be and can be accessed at Bill C-23, An Act to amend the discharged and that the Bill be http://www.parl.gc.ca/ Canada Elections Act and other dropped from the Order Paper. SenCommitteeBusiness/default. Acts and to make consequential Financial Procedures spx?parl=41&ses=2&Language=E amendments to certain Acts, Speaker’s Ruling introduced on February 4, 2014, On March 24, 2014, when was the subject of provisions the House was considering Bill On March 4, a point of dealing with voter identification C-29, An Act for granting to Her order was raised respecting requirements, banning Elections Majesty certain sums of money for the acceptability of a motion Canada from encouraging the federal public administration for proposing that the Senate Canadians to vote and proposing the financial year ending March 31, call upon the members of the

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 61 2015, Tony Clement (President allocation motion pursuant to in the discharge of their of the Treasury Board) Standing Order 78(3)(a) on the responsibilities in direct relation announced that, from now on, ground that the Government to proceedings in Parliament? the form of supply bills would had not first consulted with The Speaker noted that a change to present organizations the opposition parties to seek Member who is preparing to in alphabetical order, as in the agreement under the provisions participate in the proceedings of 2014-15 Main Estimates, which of sections (1) and (2) of the the House, whether through a had led to a change in vote Standing Order. The Deputy technical briefing or some other numbering. This change, he Speaker ruled that the simple means, is not participating in said, resulted from comments assertion that agreement could the proceedings themselves. He provided by the Standing not be reached under the concluded that Mr. Dusseault Committee on Government provisions of Standing Orders had not been obstructed in the Operations and Estimates during 78(1) or 78(2) was all that was discharge of his responsibilities its review of estimates and required by the Chair, which in such a way as to support a supplies. Mr. Clement stated would not inquire into the finding of aprima facie case of that the rights and privileges of nature of the consultation. privilege. Members to criticize any item in Wayne Easter (Malpeque) On February 25, Mr. the estimates when considered rose on a point of order on Cullen claimed that Brad Butt in committee would not be April 9, 2014, in connection (Mississauga—Streetsville) curtailed or restricted. with Bill C 483, An Act to amend had misled the House when Points of Order, Questions of the Corrections and Conditional he stated on February 6, 2014, Privilege and Procedure Release Act (escorted temporary that he personally witnessed absence). Mr. Easter contended the inappropriate use of Points of Order that amendments adopted in voter identification cards. In a challenge to Bill C-23, committee had in effect altered Notwithstanding an admission An Act to amend the Canada the scope of the Bill. A similar and apology by Mr. Butt, the Elections Act and other Acts and point of order was raised by Mr. Speaker, on March 3, 2014, to make consequential amendments Rathgeber on April 10, 2014, noting that “the House continues to certain Acts, Nathan Cullen with regard to Bill C-30, An Act to be seized of completely (Skeena—Bulkley Valley) rose to amend the Canada Grain Act and contradictory statements,” on a point of order on February the Canada Transportation Act and concluded that the matter 6, 2014, claiming that a serious to provide for other measures. At merited further consideration discrepancy between the French the time of writing, the Speaker’s and that it constituted a prima and English versions of the Bill rulings are pending. facie case of privilege, and meant that the Bill was not in Questions of Privilege he invited the House Leader the correct form. Peter Van Loan of the Official Opposition to In relation to Bill C-23, (Leader of the Government in move the appropriate motion. on February 6, 2014, Pierre- the House of Commons) insisted After debate, the motion to Luc Dusseault (Sherbrooke) that the discrepancy in question refer the matter to the Standing claimed that there was little or was with the summary of the Bill Committee on Procedure and no interpretation provided at a only and that the summary was House Affairs was defeated. In technical briefing organized by not, in fact, part of the Bill. In his a related question of privilege the Government on the Bill had ruling, delivered on February raised on April 10, 2014 by been inadequate or non-existent, 10, 2014, the Speaker noted that Peter Julian (Burnaby— thereby preventing francophone the error in question had been New Westminster), it was Members of Parliament from caught and corrected in the alleged that Pierre Poilievre participating fully in subsequent version of the Bill of which the (Minister of State (Democratic debate on the Bill. The Speaker House was officially seized, and Reform) had made false claims ruled, on March 3, 2014, that concluded that the matter had about the misuse of voter the question before the Chair accordingly been resolved. identification cards and that he was simple: does attending had subsequently contradicted On March 6, 2014, Mr. Cullen a departmental briefing that himself. In his ruling, delivered rose on a point of order to was delivered without full on April 30, 2014, the Speaker object to the moving of a time interpretation obstruct Members emphasized the limits on what

62 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 the Chair is authorized to do disclosure, while remaining that he had that day received a with respect to allegations mindful of privacy implications letter from the Chief Electoral such as those adduced in this and administrative constraints. Officer informing him that James question of privilege. It was, he The Committee supported Bezan (Selkirk—Interlake) had said, clear to him that there was BOIE’s considering putting into provided a corrected return as no compelling evidence that place proactive disclosure for required by the Canada Elections deliberate misrepresentations Members in the same fashion as Act. He further advised that had been made to the House and Ministers are currently doing he was making copies of the that the question of privilege for travel and hospitality. The letter available to the Standing was, in effect, a dispute as to Report also recommended that Committee on Procedure and facts. Accordingly, he declined the Auditor General be invited House Affairs, which was to find a prima facie case of by BOIE to conduct audits studying a related question of privilege. with greater frequency, and privilege. that BOIE, in consultation with Committees On February 26, 2014, the the Auditor General, develop Acting Speaker (Bruce Stanton) On February 5, 2014, the publicly-available guidelines informed the House that House adopted, private with respect to audits of House Dominic LeBlanc (Beauséjour) Member’s Motion M-431, moved of Commons’ spending. had been appointed a member of by Brad Trost (Saskatoon— On March 27, 2014, pursuant the BOIE to replace Judy Foote Humboldt), asking the Standing to Standing Order 56.1(1), (Random—Burin—St. George’s). Committee on Procedure and K. Kellie Leitch (Minister of On March 12, 2014, Olivia Chow House Affairs to consider the Labour), seconded by Tom (Trinity—Spadina) resigned as election of committee chairs by Lukiwski (Regina—Lumsden— a Member of Parliament. Jim means of a preferential ballot Lake Centre) moved “That Karygiannis (Scarborough— system by all the Members of the Standing Committee on Agincourt) resigned as a the House of Commons, at the Procedure and House Affairs be Member of Parliament on April beginning of each session and instructed to consider the matter 1, 2014. prior to the establishment of the of accusations of the Official membership of the Standing On April 10, 2014, when news Opposition’s improper use of was received of the passing away Committees. A report is expected House of Commons resources later this year. earlier that day of Jim Flaherty for partisan purposes; and that (Whitby—Oshawa), there were On March 5, 2014, the House the Leader of the Opposition be brief consultations among the concurred in the Third Report ordered to appear as a witness parties, following which, at 2:28 of the Standing Committee on at a televised meeting of the p.m., the House adjourned for Procedure and House Affairs on Committee to be held no later the day. The following day, the the Board of Internal Economy than May 16, 2014.” The question House proceeded with tributes (BOIE). While finding no was put on the motion and, to Mr. Flaherty, observed reason to alter the structure, fewer than 25 Members having a moment of silence, and membership and general risen to object, the motion was transacted some urgent business. functioning of BOIE, the Report adopted. The House adjourned for the day made a number of substantive Other Matters at 10:38 a.m. Mr. Flaherty had recommendations, among these resigned as Minister of Finance that the Members’ Expenditures Members on March 19. He was replaced by Report be enhanced by On February 4, 2014, a two- Joe Oliver, previously Minister providing additional volume work titled The Selected of Natural Resources. information. The Committee Decisions of Speaker Peter Milliken On April 29, 2014, further to noted that the level of detail was tabled in the House of of information disclosed in the consultations among the parties, Commons. Former Speaker representatives of the various Members’ Expenditures Report Peter Milliken was present in has continuously increased in parties made statements in the gallery of the House on the tribute to the late Herb Gray and recent years and encouraged occasion of this tabling. the Board to take any further observed a moment of silence in steps that would increase public On February 5, 2014, the his memory. Speaker advised the House

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 63 Statements, Resolutions, Special carry out any other business, the Debates Assembly was required to hold On February 5, 2014, the six limited debates on standing House held an emergency debate committee reports containing on grain transportation, and recommendations. take-note debates were held on On February 20, the last February 12 on the situation in sitting of the 40th Legislature, the Central African Republic, the Minister of Finance and the on February 26 on the evolving Economy, Nicolas Marceau, situation in Ukraine, and on delivered his budget speech. April 29, on the situation in the Dissolution of the Assembly, During the same sitting, the Republic of South Sudan. general election and Assembly unanimously passed composition of the Assembly The House adopted Bill 28, An Act to establish the new unanimously several resolutions On 5 March 2014, at the Code of Civil Procedure. This bill in February, March and April. request of Premier Pauline establishes the new Code of Civil On February 28, 2014, the House Marois, the Lieutenant-Governor Procedure, whose main objectives adopted a resolution on violence dissolved the National Assembly, are to ensure the accessibility, in Venezuela. On March 3, 2014, calling the next Assembly to quality and promptness of the House adopted a resolution meet on May 6 2014. The call civil justice, the fair, simple, condemning Russia’s military for an election ended the 40th proportionate and economical intervention in Ukraine. On Legislature. At its dissolution, application of procedural rules, March 26, 2014, the House again the Assembly was composed the exercise of the parties’ rights condemned Russia’s intervention as follows: Parti Québécois, in a spirit of co-operation and and denounced Russia’s sanctions 54 Members; Québec Liberal balance, and respect for those against the Speaker and Members Party, 49 Members; Coalition involved in the administration of of the House of Commons, a Avenir Québec, 18 Members; justice. member of the Senate, public four independent Members (two Standing committees servants and the President of the under the banner of Québec Ukrainian Canadian Congress. Solidaire and two without any The Committee on Public The Speaker was instructed to affiliation). Administration (CPA) carried out two orders during the first convey the resolution to the The provisional results quarter of 2014. First, it heard the Ambassador of the Russian indicate that the new composition Auditor General on his annual Federation and a message was of the Assembly following the management report and his sent to the Senate. On March 26, general election of April 7 is the financial commitments for 2012- 2014, the House resolved to call following: Québec Liberal Party, 2013. The Standing Orders of the for an independent international 70 Members; Parti Québécois, National Assembly provide that inquiry into allegations of war 30 Members; Coalition Avenir this order must be carried out crimes and crimes against Québec, 22 Members; three every year. Second, following the humanity in Sri Lanka. Finally, independent Members elected release of the Auditor General’s on April 7, 2014, the House under the banner of Québec report in autumn 2013, the CPA adopted a resolution calling for Solidaire. commemoration of the Rwandan heard the Centre hospitalier de genocide on its 20th anniversary Debates on reports from l’Université de Montréal on its and reflection upon the lessons committees, budget speech and administrative management learned from it. passage of a bill and its governance. No report was published following these His Highness the Aga Khan Between the adjournment of hearings. addressed Members of the Senate the parliamentary proceedings and of the House of Commons before the holiday season and the Following a motion carried in the Chamber of the House of dissolution of the Assembly on unanimously by the National Commons on February 27, 2014. March 5, the National Assembly Assembly, the Committee on sat from February 11 to 20. It Labour and the Economy (CLE) Gary Sokolyk should be noted that, during held special consultations Table Research Branch this period, before being able to and public hearings on the

64 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 inappropriate use of public funds men, and providing a framework forward to speak their views and by Tourisme Montréal. The CLE for accommodation requests. The 160 respondents participated tabled a report containing two CI also concluded the clause-by- in the on-line consultation recommendations concerning clause consideration of Bill 28, questionnaire. the training and terms of office An Act to establish the new Code of Before the general election of the members of the boards Civil Procedure, which had begun was called, the Committee of directors of regional tourist on October 8, 2013. In all, the on Transportation and the associations. Committee held 30 sittings, for a Environment began special The Committee on Institutions total of 106 hours. consultations and public hearings (CI) held 13 days of hearings The Committee on Health and on Bill 37, An Act to prohibit during which it heard 69 Social Services completed the certain shale natural gas exploration groups and individuals who special consultations and public and production activities, during had submitted a brief within hearings within the framework which 13 groups were heard. the framework of the general of its order of initiative on the consultation on Bill 60, Charter living conditions of adults Manon Voyer and Cédric Drouin affirming the values of State staying in residential and long- Parliamentary Proceedings secularism and religious neutrality term care centres. In this regard, Directorate and of equality between women and 36 persons and groups came

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 65 Notes

66 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 Notes

CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014 67 Notes

68 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW/SUMMER 2014

Canadian Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Alberta Newfoundland & Labrador Ontario Office of the Clerk Office of the Clerk Office of the Clerk Legislative Building Confederation Building Room 104, 801 Legislature Annex P.O. Box 8700 Legislative Bldg. Edmonton, AB T5K 1E4 St John’s, NL A1B 4J6 Toronto, ON M7A 1A2 780 427-2478 (tel) 709 729-3405 (tel) 416 325-7341 (tel) 780 427-5688 (fax) 707 729-4820 (fax) 416 325-7344 (fax) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

British Columbia Northwest Territories Prince Edward Island Office of the Clerk Office of the Clerk Office of the Clerk Parliament Buildings P.O. Box 1320 Province House Room 221 Yellowknife, NT X1A 2L9 P.O. Box 2000 Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 867 669-2299 (tel) Charlottetown, PE C1A 7N8 250 387-3785 (tel) 867 873-0432 (fax) 902 368-5970 (tel) 250 387-0942 (fax) 902 368-5175 (fax) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Federal Branch Québec Executive Secretary Direction des relations inter- 131 Queen Street, 5th Floor parlementaires House of Commons Assemblée nationale Ottawa, ON K1A 0A6 Québec, QC G1A 1A3 613 993-0330 (tel) 418 643-7391 (tel) 613 995-0212 (fax) 418 643-1865 (fax) [email protected] [email protected]

Nova Scotia Manitoba Office of the Clerk Saskatchewan Office of the Clerk Province House Office of the Clerk Legislative Building P.O. Box 1617 Legislative Building Room 237 Halifax, NS B3J 2Y3 Room 239 Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8 902 424-5707 (tel) Regina, SK S4S 0B3 204 945-3636 (tel) 902 424-0526 (fax) 306 787-2377 (tel) 204 948-2507 (fax) 306 787-0408 (fax) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

New Brunswick Nunavut Yukon Office of the Clerk Office of the Clerk Office of the Clerk Legislative Building Legislative Assembly of Nunavut Legislative Building P.O. Box 6000 P.O. Box 1200 P.O. Box 2703 Fredericton, NB E3B 5H1 Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 Whitehorse, YT Y1A 2C6 506 453-2506 (tel) 867 975-5100 (tel) 867 667-5494 (tel) 506 453-7154 (fax) 867 975-5190 (fax) 867 393-6280 (fax) [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]