Let me put it this way: Canadians are usually pretty quiet and it takes a lot to have them go down in the streets. But Stephen Harper made it, he managed to anger Canadians enough and have them demonstrate in the middle of the winter. Way to go, Stevie!
On December 30, 2009, Stephen Harper, the Conservative Prime Minister, decided to shut down the Parliament until the end of the Olympic Games, early March. The explanations and excuses for the prorogation are pretty vague—the Olympic Games, the economic plan, etc. The problem is, this isn’t the first time the Prime Minister shuts down the Parliament and Canadians seem to be sick of it. Indeed, without Parliament, nothing gets done. Moreover, Stephen Harper has already prorogued the Parliament last year. This is apparently a move to get out of political trouble, more than anything else.
The opposition parties obviously didn’t agree with Harper’s move. And this time, neither did the people. Grassroots movements started on the web and “no prorogation rallies” were organized throughout Canada last Saturday, on January 23rd.
This is honestly the biggest demonstration I have seen in Canada since I’m here. I was shocked to see how many people showed up on Parliament Hill. I guess it’s no secret that I don’t support Harper’s politics and the fact the Parliament can be shut down that easily worries me: hello, democracy, anyone? I went down in the streets as well—my first demonstration in a long, long time.
Opposition political leader addressed the crowd and so did various speakers. The really was non-partisan and the atmosphere was quite peaceful. I also learned a fun cultural fact: Canadians make the best signs, ever!
I like the middle finger poster :p Harper is a big wimp hiding in his residence right now…We need a proper government that will take care of bussiness, not one that goes on hiding every now and then. I say it’s time to vote again!
Wow, I learned a new word. Maybe I can prorogue somebody in Scrabble now. None of this USA citizen’s business but it seems that it is not a well advised procedure.
Love the signs. Very creative.
.-= Yogi´s last blog ..That’s my World – Trip to Houston =-.
I don’t know what prorogation means!
.-= Gledwood´s last blog ..Tubby trotterdonkey west highland terrier =-.
If only Harper could let Ignatieff be prime minister, the world … I mean Canada would be a better place 😉
.-= Cynthia´s last blog ..Mange ta main, puis garde l’autre pour demain =-.
Hehe… like Gledwood, I also do not know the meaning of prorogation.
In 1944, U.S. had its presidential election, even though World War 2 was ongoing. So I think Olympic can’t be a reason to shut down the Parliament.
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Woah. Those are some seriously harsh posters. I particularly like the “Take me to dinner before you fuck me, Stephen.” LOL.
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Power to the people! Love the signs. Who knew that Canadians know how to protest? Must be the influence of the Quebecois!
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@Bluefish – I hear you! Now, that said, I’m not sure it’s the best time to have elections… again. Not sure any Party would have a clear majority. But I can’t wait to vote!
@Yogi – I loved the signs too, kept me entertained for the whole rally! I doubt a lot of Canadians knew what “prorogation” meant, but since it’s not the first time, we are learning it.
@Gledwood – Means to postpone, to shut down basically.
@Cynthia – I hear you!
@Khengsiong – The Olympics is definitely a shitty excuse. As far as I know, all the countries which hosted Olympics had a working government!
@Lizz – My personal favorite too! 😆
@Soleil – I had no idea they had it in them! I was pleased, of course. My French roots…
Looks like France! 😉
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LOL, 😛 I’m enjoying this one!
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Hmm being this rally is in the East most of these ppl never would have voted for Harper or the conservatives in the first place. The proroguing of house in the west isn’t that most popular move but conservatives will still voted in especially in the Alberta.
I’m loosely familiar with the politics there, and I guess I’m going to have to learn more soon since we’re moving there. The system here is rotten to the core (USA) but the idea of minority parliamentary rule in canada drives me nuts! 30% rule! what? “pro-what?” “governor general who?”
We have our own insanities (filibuster anyone?).
What’s up with the left-ish parties there? They have different histories (the bloc, grits-learned that this summer!, and the NDP) but they should meld together and have caucuses for their own interests. Then they’d blow the PC or conservative out of the water every election. The only shortfall of the caucus model is that like our Democrats the interests groups could just die as movements (labor, feminists, quebecquois,etc)-They don’t call the Democrats the “graveyard of social movements” for nothing.
Our Democrats are NOT a left party, they are a center party. We have no leftist parties of note (minus sectarian ex maoist cult groups). Gore vidal once said america has one party with two Right wings, and I think it’s more true every day!
anyhow, ditto on the waving without all five fingers!
Wow – what great photos! We had a rally here in Victoria as well, but I didn’t stick around for it. Yes it was a nice day but really I just haven’t been in the mood to blog or do anything… I guess seeing that I don’t have a vote either keeps me at bay.. Yes I need to get in my citizenship application and fast!
yay zhu! i love when people stand up for their rights and beliefs. it’s important.
it must make one feel powerful, to turn government on and off, to suit oneself. “if you don’t want to play by my rules, when then you can go home.”
but first you have to take me to dinner…
.-= Seraphine´s last blog ..Technically Correct =-.
Those are some brilliant posters. My favourite being the ‘take me to dinner…’.
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This is interesting.
You know what? There’s not 100% freedom in democracy.
Likewise, there’s not 100% restriction in socialism.
The best thing is balance between the two extremes.
I guess, it’s just like Yin and Yang?!
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I didn’t know this was happening in Canada. Love the posters.
.-= Tanya´s last blog ..Soaking in the City of Spa =-.
Sometimes I wonder if the US would be better off if the government went on permanent holiday… I don’t really believe that, but a small part of me does, hehe
.-= Seb´s last blog ..Supersonic Sharkie Jet =-.
You know, India is hosting the Commonwealth games in Oct 2010 and they are talking about shutting down all schools for those 12-15 days and staggering office hours to manage traffic.
What you are talking about is quite weird. What is their justification?
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