CHELSEA, QUE.—One of the most enticing promises Prime Minister Mark Carney made in the immediate aftermath of his ascension to majority government last week was to dial back political “show-boating.” As he said: “We’re going to have less of that; we’re going to have more substance.”

He was referring, in particular, to the time-wasting shenanigans that have overtaken parliamentary committees as opposition members berate and interrupt witnesses rather than listening, asking questions that are not questions but pocket rants—often widely off-topic and designed only to garner newsworthy video clips.

This tactic isn’t novel, but, in recent years, it has metastasized so that most committee hearings are an extension of Question Period with all the shouting, personal attacks and canned outrage that has made politics such an unappetizing viewing experience for normal Canadians. The issue notionally under consideration—be it crime policy, affordable housing, or the cost of living—is often secondary to the tremendous fun opposition committee members have making headlines.

In post-byelection remarks last week, Carney specifically referenced MPs at committee reciting stories about “dogs and cats” in increasingly commonplace filibusters intended to slow controversial legislation. Some argue this is a legitimate tactic for an opposition in a minority situation. But these brainless distractions seem to be aimed primarily at impressing fellow committee members, since no one else is paying attention. 

How the prime minister will remake committees to reflect the new numbers—i.e. to ensure Liberal control of proceedings—involves some procedural muscle-flexing and Conservatives are already accusing Liberals of trying to make committees “less accountable.” What Carney is attempting—what he claims to want—is to make them more substantive. Amen........

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