It is never good to feel superior when observing developments south of the border because I am now faced with what is almost more despicable behaviour by Jason Kenney and the members of his Conservative Government in Alberta. This past Wednesday the legislature was debating a government bill that would impose a delay on wage talks for certain union workers. Premier Kenney walked up and down the aisles handing out ear plugs to members of the Conservative caucus, presumably so that they could avoid hearing anything that might be said by members of the opposition.
One on level this action is pathetically childish. It reminds one of the petulant five year old, with hands over the ears, head shaking from side to side, and probably feet kicking sand as well. Beyond that, however, it is a deplorable and deeply dangerous act which shows complete contempt for democracy and for the population that members have been elected to serve. All those in Alberta who voted for anyone other than a Conservative have been told that their views don’t matter to the ruling Conservatives. Even those who voted for a Conservative candidate need to be concerned about Kenney’s antics. If it is fair game for the ruling party to block out/refuse to hear opposing points of view, how will Conservatives feel when they are no longer the government and are being similarly shunned?
Our democratic system of government depends not only a governing party setting forth policies to address the issues of the day; it also depends upon opposition parties examining proposed policies thoroughly, identifying potential flaws, suggesting alternatives, and – ultimately – helping the government to present the best possible policies as a result. If a governing party is not even willing to hear the points being offered by the opposition parties, a fundamental element of our democratic system is missing.
Jason Kenney and his deaf caucus are a disgrace to democracy. They should be ashamed and it is especially disappointing that, to this point, none of the Conservatives have had the gumption to call out their objectionable behaviour.