Angry in the Great White North

Here are some interesting quotes regarding the question of opposition in parliament.

John Diefenbaker on the role of the Loyal Opposition:

If Parliament is to be preserved as a living institution His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition must fearlessly perform its functions. When it properly discharges them the preservation of our freedom is assured. The reading of history proves that freedom always dies when criticism ends. It upholds and maintains the rights of minorities against majorities. It must be vigilant against oppression and unjust invasions by the Cabinet of the rights of the people. It should supervise all expenditures and prevent over-expenditure by exposing to the light of public opinion wasteful expenditures or worse. It finds fault; it suggests amendments; it asks questions and elicits information; it arouses, educates and molds public opinion by voice and vote. It must scrutinize every action by the government and in doing so prevents the short-cuts through democratic procedure that governments like to make.

Lester Peason on the role of the Loyal Opposition:

In national politics during the years when I was in the government, I watched the Opposition perform their duty vigorously and industriously, with courage and determination. They rightly insisted on their right to oppose, attack and criticize, to engage in that cut and thrust of debate, so often and so strongly recommended by those concerned with the vigour and health of Parliament and the health of democracy. I cannot forbear to add, however, that the application of this procedure has, in the past, been occasionally resented by those who are cut and thrust at.

And then there is Stephane Dion, showing how to oppose vigorously and industriously, with courage and determination:

The House of Commons voted 125-90 in favour of the budget, with all NDP and Bloc Quebecois MPs opposing it.

Only a handful of Liberals voted against the bill, to ensure the government didn't fall.

Stephane Dion was fulfilling a promise he made that he would not lead an effective opposition:

"We'll find a way to not defeat the government and to express our disagreement with this budget," Dion said after a caucus meeting in Ottawa.

Lester Pearson is turning over in his grave, wondering just who this guy is who has taken over his Liberal party.  John Diefenbaker is equally worried about the dangers to the health of our democracy posed by a toothless opposition.