On December 30th, 2009, for the second time in as many years, Stephen Harper asked the Governor General to prorogue parliament. Like last time, he got what he asked for, forsaking his responsibility to be accountable to his employers, us Canadians citizens. Dear Mr. Harper, I sign this petition, with outrage towards what is essentially a two month suspension of Canadian democracy: the people’s elected representatives have been barred from meeting and carrying out the country’s business. A total of 36 government pieces of legislation have effectively been cancelled. This includes bills dealing with consumer protection, white collar crimes, digital policy and hearings on the Afghan detainee issue. Your government’s rationale for prorogation is insulting: if you want to “consult Canadians” about the next phase of your economic action plan, you can do so while Parliament is in session and work with all 308 MPs – the people’s elected representatives - in the process. This prorogation is an abuse of Parliament. It is morally an affront to our democracy. At a time when Canada is playing host to the world for the celebrated Olympics, what a poor example our government is setting by avoiding democratic oversight of its activities. I ask you, Mr. Harper, to open Parliament and uphold your democratic responsibility to Canada now.

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