Kennedy's reform - not so much

Gerrard Kennedy spoke to the Toronto Star editorial board yesterday and outlined some of his plans for parliamentary reform, which really come down to curbing the PM's power.

I am not sure why one needs to 'curb the PM's power' given that only the most brain-dead MP doesn't realize that they can topple a policy or a PM with one simple action: Vote against them in Parliament.

"We're in a danger zone right now, where we have a presidential system unchecked within our parliamentary system. That is a recipe for losing touch with what matters and to not have the accountability that would drive you forward," said Kennedy, the Straw-man slayer.

No, Gerrard, we don't have a presidential system, because MP's can vote against their own Prime Minister on any issue. Sure, there are consequences, like not getting into cabinet, or the Senate, or maybe the government could fall.

What's so different about that? We all face consequences when we deliver the hard news, its part of being a responsible adult.

Moreover, as Messrs Chretien and Martin will tell you, caucus solidarity is like a Stephen Harper election promise - never quite what you thought it was, and subject to change based on the polls.

But any attempt to 'curb the PM's power' is simply a way to let our elected representatives off the hook. And frankly, when enough MP's say no, it's amazing how many things just don't make it to a vote, get stuck in committee, and die on the order paper....

Kennedy continues: "I will subject myself to more review votes by both party members and I will give a veto to caucus over certain things. You'll be able to either veto the policy or change the leader under certain circumstances."

Great. Give caucus what they already have. And why just caucus?

MPs are MPs first, then they join a given caucus. Their first Parliamentary obligation is to their constituents, not the Party.

Frankly, every MP should have the right review policy, and veto it if they can form a majority to do so... but hey, hang on a minute...

They can already do all of those things... it's called... wait for it... PARLIAMENT.... where they have COMMITTEE HEARINGS and the HOUSE OF COMM ONS where they have VOTES...

It's not the rules that create democracy, Gerry, it's the people.