Ottawa

This is the week that was

We tried to save the House of Commons.

Brian Topp pitched higher taxes (and considered equality). Nathan Cullen pitched democratic reform. Martin Singh pitched a national pharmacare plan. Paul Dewar prioritized. Robert Chisholm talked leadership.

Elections Canada tried to figure out kids these days. The Department of National Defence tried to keep the cost of its new headquarters quiet. The NDP bought billboard space. The omnibus crime bill went unaccounted for. The House voted to keep curtailing debate. The Harperization of Canada was confirmed. The Conservatives peddled rumours and defended their right to do so. Tony Clement explained his verbal typo. And the Speaker ruled John Williamson and Geoff Regan out of order.

The government failed to amend its own bill after failing to listen. The dignity of the House was debated. Jason Kenney decried patronage, however much was happening on his watch. The math behind the Attawapiskat crisis was contested. Charlie Angus returned to the scene. Peter MacKay’s story developed a hole. Ryan Cleary called for his resignation. Stephen Harper stood by his minister. Glenn Thibeault remembered his brother. John Duncan had trouble explaining himself. Julian Fantino flirted with pointlessness. And Shawn Atleo talked to Peter Mansbridge.

Amy Minsky considered the state of the House. Lori Turnbull called for reform. Ilona Dougherty called for political parties to take young voters seriously. Andrew Leach looked ahead to the post-Kyoto future. Rick Mercer made a modest proposal.

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