Trudeau power grab overshoots
VTrudeau iewers ’tuning s daily Covid-19 in to briefing Prime on Minister Tuesday Justin may have wondered why he felt it necessary to say early in his prepared remarks, “I want to make it very clear: I believe in our democratic institutions.” And, “you have my unwavering commitment — we will protect and uphold our democratic values. We will protect and uphold our democratic institutions.”
The Trudeau government deserves credit for its handling of the virus emergency. It has not been perfect, but so far, despite some slowness on public health measures, Team Trudeau has generally been competent, thoughtful and moving in the right direction. It looks particularly admirable when stacked against the often confusing and counterproductive emanations from the White House.
But what the Trudeau government delivered on Monday night, and the prime minister tried to address on Tuesday morning, was its first big mistake. And it had nothing to do with Covid-19. The trouble was hidden in the government’s draft bill for emergency economic measures, which was generally reasonable but also contained unprecedented clauses, in effect granting the finance minister the power to increase or decrease spending, or increase or cut taxes, without needing to come back to parliament for a vote — a power grab to last until the end of 2021.
Critics said that was like winding the clock back to the early 17th century. It’s a foundational principle of parliamentary democracy that the executive cannot spend without the consent of parliament. That’s what the House of Commons is for: no taxation without representation.
Yes, we’re in a health and economic crisis. Yes, there are steps that must be taken; some must be taken quickly. But this attempted power grab, even if it was just a negotiating tactic or a distraction, simply wasn’t necessary.
The Trudeau government is wrong to think that the need to work through parliament is a barrier to swift decisions or good decisions.
Debate and scrutiny sharpen thought and action. The role of the opposition as critics of the government, holding it to account, is vital. /Toronto, March 25