Re: Time for Harper and Schellenberger to get back to work, Letter, Jan. 21

Dawn McLaughlin of Stratford wrote, “We (Canada) have no working parliament, and therefore no government.” I take issue with the notion that our parliament and our government are the same institution. Clearly that is not so.

In Canada, as in other nations which follow the Westminster parliamentary tradition, parliament is the Queen (represented by the governor general), the Senate, and the House of Commons. The government consists of the Queen (represented by the governor general) in council, which is a collection of ministers of the crown appointed by the governor general (on the PM’s recommendation) to direct the use of the executive powers.

Cabinet collectively decides the government’s policy and tactical direction, especially in regard to legislation passed by the parliament.

The two institutions are distinctly different bodies with separate powers, duties and responsibilities. Government functions continue uninterrupted during prorogations of parliament.

Ms. McLaughlin is also wrong when she writes, “The government of Canada won’t be able to do anything until mid March if this prorogation continues. Prime Minister Stephen Harper is not the government.

He is only one member of parliament and the leader of a minority party.”
Stephen Harper may not be the government, but, as prime minister, he certainly is the de facto head of government and certainly will be able to carry on the business of government as he has done continuously after forming the government following the last federal election.

Russ Campbell
Burlington