Parliament Breaks for Holidays Amid Rising Tensions with Public Servants

UPDATE: The 45th Parliament has officially adjourned for its annual Christmas break as of December 21, 2023, amid escalating tensions between politicians and public servants. This holiday pause marks a critical moment of reflection for lawmakers, who are increasingly caught up in a cycle of partisan conflict that is affecting governance.

As Parliament takes this much-needed hiatus, the atmosphere is reminiscent of a “war of all against all,” a phrase coined by philosopher Thomas Hobbes. Columnist David McLaughlin highlights the irony of a parliamentary body, intended to foster democratic discussion, devolving into toxic political theatre. The environment has shifted dramatically, with a “permanent campaign” mentality dominating the political landscape.

The recent session saw combative exchanges in the House of Commons, particularly during the notorious Question Period, where opposition parties frequently engage in sharp critiques aimed at the governing party. The atmosphere has become so charged that public servants are increasingly finding themselves at the center of political crossfire, with their testimonies and appearances subjected to intense scrutiny and misrepresentation on social media.

Most notably, this month featured a heated exchange between Harpreet Kochhar, the deputy minister of immigration, refugees, and citizenship, and opposition MP Michelle Rempel Garner. In a striking letter, Kochhar expressed deep concern over the “intimidation and harassment” faced by public servants during committee appearances, urging for a “change in approach” to allow these officials to perform their duties without fear of retribution.

Rempel Garner, however, dismissed Kochhar’s concerns as “rogue,” asserting that accountability is the cornerstone of parliamentary democracy. This back-and-forth underscores a significant issue: while ministers are accountable to Parliament, public servants are not directly held to the same standard. They are tasked with assisting MPs in scrutinizing government actions, but the current environment complicates their role.

The posting of testimony clips by MPs on social media has blurred the lines, thrusting public servants into the spotlight and making them the face of government decisions to frustrated citizens. This trend raises urgent questions about the treatment of these officials, who are essential to the functioning of government yet often caught in partisan battles.

As Parliament enters its holiday recess, many are left wondering if lawmakers will return with a renewed sense of civility and respect for public servants. The expectation is clear: a functioning democracy relies on transparency and trust, and that begins with how politicians interact with those who serve them.

McLaughlin emphasizes that a well-functioning Parliament should prioritize legislative work over theatrics, allowing public servants the space to provide comprehensive answers to MPs without fear of backlash. The stakes are high; as Hobbes suggested, life without governance could be “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and short.”

With the 45th Parliament now on break, all eyes will be on how these dynamics evolve in the new year. Will the holiday give lawmakers the perspective needed to foster a more respectful environment for public servants? The upcoming sessions will be critical in determining if a shift towards greater accountability and civility is possible in Canadian politics.