Unfair criticism
By itself, farce is a word that shouldn’t attract much attention when used during debates in the Prince Edward Island legislative assembly. But when it brings into question the hard work, spirited debate and long hours spent by MLAs on all sides of the house, then it becomes offensive.
Just because Green Leader Peter Bevan-Baker didn’t think the level of debate reached an acceptable level is no reason to suggest the fall session was an exercise in farcical behaviour.
Opposition Leader James Aylward, PC MLA Steven Myers, government house leader Richard Brown and Premier Wade MacLauchlan were right to object to comments that MLAs are not doing their jobs.
MLAs sat for six weeks and passed 17 bills — several historic in nature. It was the longest fall sitting in 20 years and MLAs worked right up to within four days of Christmas.
It was widely considered one of the most constructive and productive sessions in recent memory. And then, in the dying minutes of the fall sitting, Mr. Bevan-Baker stood up and called the session a farce.
Speaker Buck Watts was right in his ruling. It wasn’t because the Green leader used the word farce that resulted in his ejection from the legislature. It’s how he applied the word and disparaged the fall sitting. It’s a major distinction and one that some Islanders failed to appreciate over the following days.
Yes, the house does have its unflattering moments but it’s unfair to suggest that Liberal and PC MLAs didn’t do their jobs. The Green leader may have misspoke and realized too late that he had crossed a line. He was given an opportunity to withdraw the remark and refused.
There were at least 10 hours of debate on the Water Act and an equal number of hours discussing the lobbyists’ registry and whistleblower legislation. The bills got a thorough airing as amendments were brought forward to improve legislation. Some passed and others didn’t. Mr. Bevan-Baker might chafe under these constraints but don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.
The Green leader says he’s received a generally positive reaction from various Islanders who support his actions. Let’s hope it doesn’t persuade him that his comments were acceptable and will be repeated.
MLAs have many duties besides debating legislation each spring and fall. They scrutinize the budget and examine financial statements, review reports and attend standing committee meetings. They are busy with the concerns of constituents every day. It’s impossible to have a complete grasp of every bill. There is no question that since Mr. Bevan-Baker entered the legislature, the level of debate has improved and the Green leader has brought forward much thoughtful comment. The overall decorum of the House has improved but all party leaders can take credit for better behaviour.
Every MLA enters the assembly determined to do her or his best for constituents, district and province. It’s unfair for any MLA to explicitly disparage the work of fellow members of the legislature.