Pale copy of real thing

Survey after survey has revealed broad public support for how our governments are responding to the virus pandemic.

Part of that is related to how rapidly Ottawa has designed and delivered payments for the millions of workers idled since mid-March.

How was that even possible? Normally, Parliament takes years to get a new program off the ground. Bureaucrats up and down the chain all have to weigh in, committees must deliberate and policy papers must be written.

Now? It’s get the money out the door as fast as possible. It’s dizzying and reassuring and entirely appropriate.

The same risks we’re staying home to avoid apply to MPs. We can’t expect elected representatives or bureaucrats to conduct business as usual and expose themselves to the virus.

But governments must function during emergencies. That’s why, in late March, a group of just 32 MPs met to pass the first emergency bill.

The problem with that gathering was that it was mostly composed of Quebec and Ontario MPs who lived within driving distance of Ottawa. There was no representation from P.E.I., Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador or Manitoba.

That’s fine for a short-term emergency but it’s hardly representative democracy. That’s why Parliament then moved to create a virtual version of itself, where debates including all MPs can be held in a huge Zoom meeting.

It’s considered a committee of Parliament, giving MPs a chance to question ministers in a virtual form of Question Period. No bills can be passed; that must be done in person in the Commons chamber.

Several of these meetings have been held so far, and the inevitable technical problems occurred. Some MPs have poor internet service at home. There were glitches with translation. Some had trouble with their mute buttons.

However, there was none of the heckling that always pollutes live debate in the House, so Speaker Anthony Rota didn’t have to call unruly members to order.

Like all experiments, it’s a work in progress. It can’t be perfect and its operators have to be open to suggestions for change.

But it’s no substitute for the real thing. As Saskatchewan MP Cathay Wagantall told the National Post, “There is nothing quite like being in that room.”

She’s right. Ministers should have to stand in front of all Canadians to defend bills, explain policies and answer questions.

Parliament is doing a fine job coping with the COVID-19 pandemic. But at some point in the next few weeks, normal business will have to resume, and if members cannot meet in person, more innovation will be required to conduct debates, hold votes and pass legislation.