Will Parliament be a ‘gong show’ again in 2025?

One afternoon earlier this month, Charlie Angus, the NDP MP for Timmins—James Bay, stood in the House of Commons to express his deep disappointment with the state of affairs in Parliament. He lamented the dysfunction and chaos that seemed to dominate the proceedings, likening it to a dismal gong show that made it increasingly difficult to inspire young Canadians to believe in democracy.

Angus, who is not seeking re-election, has become known for his scathing critiques of the House of Commons, drawing parallels between the current situation and the absurdity of American game shows from decades past. His frustration was palpable as he spoke about the lack of progress and the seemingly endless cycle of partisan bickering that had overtaken the legislative process.

The primary cause of the recent dysfunction in Parliament has been the Conservative filibuster, which has effectively paralyzed the House for over two months. The filibuster was initiated in response to the government’s refusal to produce documents related to a green technology fund, with the Conservatives arguing that it was a matter of parliamentary accountability.

However, the filibuster has been met with criticism from legal experts and former law clerks, who have deemed it a misuse of parliamentary power. The fact that the Conservatives are filibustering their own motion, which proposed sending the dispute to a House committee, further complicates the situation and raises questions about the true motives behind the obstruction.

The Trudeau government’s inability to end the filibuster is partly due to the lack of a majority in the House and the breakdown of the confidence-and-supply agreement with the New Democrats. The Liberals find themselves in a precarious position, unable to invoke closure or trigger an election to break the impasse.

As the dysfunction in Parliament persists, important legislation and initiatives have been stalled, threatening the government’s ability to govern effectively. The online harms legislation, changes to the Elections Act, and the Nature Accountability Act are just a few examples of bills that have been left in limbo due to the filibuster.

With the next federal election looming on the horizon, the fight for control of Parliament is only expected to intensify, potentially leading to even more chaos and gridlock. The prospect of a Conservative government taking office in 2025 has added urgency to the need for the Liberals and New Democrats to find common ground and work towards resolving the current deadlock.

In the face of a global crisis of democracy, the dysfunction in Parliament is particularly concerning. It is essential that all parties come together to find a way forward and restore the credibility and functionality of this important public institution. If the House is to avoid becoming a mere spectacle in 2025, collaboration and cooperation will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.