Dear Colleagues,
In this season of good will, peace and hope, I extend an open invitation for us to reflect
upon how we can collectively and individually address a matter I fear threatens the very
foundations of democratic governance.
Partisanship has always been part of Parliament. Parties play a very important role in
Canadian politics by developing policy, organizing public opinion and aggregating
interests.
Deepening polarization in Canadian politics, however, has, in recent years, led to a
toxic hyper-partisanship that has made Canada’s House of Commons an increasingly
hostile forum where parties play zero-sum games that threaten to undermine the
collective strength and workings of Parliament.
Partisan antipathy is deeper and more extensive than at any point in recent memory
with MPs increasingly segregated along “us vs. them” partisan lines, retreating into the
familiarity of their respective echo chambers.
Less and less these days do MPs from opposing parties put down their partisan shields
and, in spite of policy differences, get to know and respect each other as individuals -
seeing in the other a fellow parent or dedicated solution-seeker.
While hyper-partisanship is increasingly encouraged, fraternization is not. In fact, it was
recently reported that some political staffers have been told to write down the names of
MPs speaking to colleagues from other parties in the hallways of Parliament and
elsewhere.
Democracy relies on a set of unwritten rules and practices that foster cooperation,
compromise, and mutual respect among political actors. However, hyper-partisanship
often leads to the erosion of such norms.
Lack of civility
Civility, the foundation of democratic discourse, is increasingly in short supply. Civility
requires the humility to imagine that you may be mistaken, that someone with an
opposing view may have a point worth considering.
To be an effective Member of Parliament, it's important to build relationships with
colleagues from other parties. Isn’t that how Parliament works best for Canadians? Or
has partisanship simply become stronger than working for the common good?
Perhaps the most serious threat of hyper-partisanship is the potential erosion of public
trust in our democratic institutions. When political discourse is dominated by acrimony
and division, citizens become disillusioned with the political process.
They perceive their elected representatives as more interested in partisan gain than in
the public good. This cynicism can lead to political disengagement, as people feel that
their participation will not make a difference.
Furthermore, the constant demonization of political opponents can create an
environment where misinformation and distrust flourish, further corroding the social
fabric that binds a democratic society.
Where now?
Colleagues, we must ask ourselves where our current course is taking us? Don’t we
know intuitively that to safeguard democratic governance, it is essential to promote a
political culture that values dialogue, compromise, and mutual respect?
It can start in small ways - beginning with our own personal interactions.
As political leaders, let us work to bridge partisan divides, restore faith in democratic
institutions and ensure that government truly and effectively serves the public interest.
In the spirit of the season,
Jonathan