No Prorogation Rally In Ottawa

25 January 2010By Zhu 20 Comments

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 30th, 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 seems 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!

You can see the full set of the rally here.

Rally And The East Block

Anti Rogue

The Crowd

My Message To Harper	Dude, Where Is My Parliament?
It's Not The Economy, Stupid!	Take Democracy Seriously
Canadians Do Care	Holiday Or Hiding?
Take Me To Diner Before You Fuck Me, Stephen	Nice Smile, Arrogant Conduct
Harper Puppet	You Decide
The Crowd	Jake Layon, Leader of the NDP, Adressing the Crowd
Michael Ignatieff, Leader of the Liberal Party, Adressing the Crowd	Michael Ignatieff, Answering the Media's Questions

20 Comments »

Vamsee said:

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?
Vamsee´s last blog ..Compliments of the Chef – Food in Bangkok

# 6 February 2010 at 7:05 am

Seb said:

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

# 2 February 2010 at 9:02 pm