Power is the sole objective of politics within Canada. It gives specific persons control of our resources; it allows them to decide who gets a share of the proverbial pie. Some covet this, seeking it out, while others seem to fall into these roles. Whatever the case may be, whomever is in power at any specific time in Canadian history, the results always seem to be the same: a few win, while the majority seem to struggle on in this great land.
Democracy has been used to justify this dichotomy, to legitimize the actions of a de facto government. We have all heard politicians claim they have “a mandate” from the people; their actions thereafter are acceptable because they have our blessing. But within our “first-past-the-post” system, no government has ever strictly received more than fifty per cent of the vote. So, are their actions, their decisions and legislations, truly legitimate? Is our system of politics inherently flawed, giving us nothing more than a dictatorship?
There is a haughtiness amongst politicians, which is generic through all levels of government, through all political stripes, which distances them from the people. Combine this with the firewall created through bureaucracies and the inherent groupthink that occurs from within their coterie, and they have quickly lost touch with the realities of the citizenry. What has happened instead is that Canadian politics has become “shanghaied” by special interest groups and industry (corporations and unions) that has set the agenda. The role of our politicians has been subverted, left to selling these corporate interests to us.
In the past few decades, we have also seen a greater use of omnibus bills, pieces of legislation that cover more than one area of interest (most recently in Alberta has been Bill 6). These complex pieces of lawmaking have hidden important laws, obfuscating the intent of the legislation, imposing regulations on Canadians. In 2004, Steven Harper called these anti-democratic, and yet he would later use them freely in his majority government to push through his vision for Canada. Why is such deception acceptable?
In our modern world, should we continue to accede to this old style of governing, which has had the people subservient, or should we now become more engaged with the decisions that affect our lives? Technology offers us more opportunity to interact with Canada’s political leaders, and it would create a better dialogue for our “democracy.” Social media has shown the discourse that is out there, more than at any other period of time. But these discussions are between citizens, rarely with politicians. We all should have reasonable access to our politicians, but in truth, this is quite limited for most. Whether this is because of constraints or simple intimidation, most Canadians rarely share their concerns with a politician. And most politicians are happy not to hear from Canadians, as it is just as intimidating for them. But if we are truly to move forward as a country, as a province, a community, we need to do so together, and that means we need to have open and honest dialogue. Otherwise, the disparities will continue to grow within Canada.
John Kennair is an international consultant and doctor of laws who lives in St. Albert.
