Defending prorogation

The prime minister’s decision to suspend parliament is not unusual and is necessary to keep continued focus on Canada’s economy, says an are MP.

"Peroration has happened a number of times throughout confederation," said MP Greg Rickford (Con., Kenora). "This is going to give us a chance to press the reset button and focus on the economy. That’s what Canadians have asked of us."

Rickford said MPs will still be working even though parliament will be suspended. The Kenora MP said he will use the six-week break to tour the massive riding he represents.

"It’s important to get to as many places as you can," Rickford said. "I’m looking forward to using that time for those purposes and assuring Canadians that when we do reconvene we will have a budget that will meet the demands and needs of our constituents."

But most MPs on the opposite side of the House floor don’t see the extended break in such a positive light. When the announcement of prorogation was first made, NDP MPs from this area expressed their disapiontment. MP Bruce Hyer (Thunder Bay – Superior North) went so far as to call the hiatus outrageous

Liberal Party Leader Michael Ignatieff is now saying his caucus will return to work on Jan. 25 as originally planned.

It isn’t just MPs and political leaders who are expressing anger and frustration toward the prorogued parliament.

A Facebook group, titled Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament, was created in response to the government’s decision and has been growing rapidly ever since. The group now boasts nearly 70,000 members.