The first installment of a letter writing campaign urging our elected Members of Parliament to "not allow an outright bypass of the democratic procedure go unchallenged."
Wednesday, May 20th, 2020
Dear Members of Parliament, I write to you today on behalf of all Canadians regarding the recent assault on democracy that has been committed by our government. As you are aware on May 1st, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Bill Blair, announced to the nation the immediate ban of “military-grade assault weapons.” Talk of this legislation had been circulating for months. However, it never occurred to Canadians that it would be made into law by order in council. There was no debate in the House of Commons and there was no vote. This legislative act completely circumvented the democratic process by which our nation has passed monumental laws for over 150 years. The ban of 1,500 “military-grade assault weapons” may have been legally passed into law by order in council, but it was most certainly not done democratically. Trudeau has repeatedly declared an “unwavering commitment” to “democratic values” but completely violated that promise when passing this legislation in this manner. As elected Members of Parliament, you can not allow an outright bypass of the democratic procedure go unchallenged, as it sets an extremely dangerous precedent for this and all other governments. Although the ability to reclassify firearms is permitted by section 117.15 of the Criminal Code of Canada, this political act perpetrated by our Prime Minister was undoubtedly an abuse of that power. Sweeping legislation instantly prohibiting 1,500 models and variations of firearms should irrefutably be considered an entirely new bill that must be properly passed through Parliament. As Trudeau states in Open and Accountable Government, “the highest manifestation of democratic accountability is the forum of Parliament.” As evident by the holes and much too broad language of these extensive amendments, it is clear this legislation was not debated in the House of Commons and Members of Parliament had no opportunity to question our government. It is also clear the Senate did not perform their “fundamental role [as a] complementary legislative body” to review the law with a “sober second thought” and represent the “minority interest” for law-abiding gun owners. This is a complete violation of Trudeau’s declarations to be “open and accountable.” Trudeau wrote “Open and Accountable Government sets out the fundamental principles of our system of responsible government.” He goes on to urge his ministers to:
“act with honesty and [to] uphold the highest ethical standards so that
public confidence and trust in the integrity and impartiality of
government are maintained and enhanced.”
Trudeau also talks of “creating [a] culture of integrity and accountability” and how it “will require constant attention and ongoing commitment.” Those same values were later restated in a press conference on March 24th, 2020. Our Prime Minister proclaimed an "unwavering commitment... [to] protect and uphold our democratic values...[and] democratic institutions.” He acknowledged the need for "cooperative and collaborative debate" in the House of Commons to pass an emergency aid bill. However, it is clear that "unwavering commitment" to democracy did not exist when Trudeau exploited the opportunity to implement his firearms ban. Our Prime Minister passed this law without the House of Commons, knowing it will cost taxpayers at least $600 million to $1 billion. This action must be considered an attack on the democratic rights of all Canadians. To allow a political leader who consistently pledges to uphold democracy be unaccountable when he evades the democratic process, sets a dangerous standard for him and all other governments. Canada is known for “[advancing] democracy around the world” by establishing and maintaining “international standards for democracy.” The report, Renewing Canada’s Role in International Support for Democratic Development, explains:
“[the] state of democracy around the world is widely believed to have
deteriorated… Authoritarian tendencies have emerged in many countries,
while others have seen their progress toward democratic consolidation
stalled or even reversed.”
To remedy this decline, it is recommended “the Government of Canada should engage broadly with all relevant countries on democracy promotion [including] those that may be seeing regression or stagnation of their democracies.” If Canada is to still be considered a world leader in democratic development, the same standards of government much be upheld at home as “threats to democracy… come from both internal and external sources.” A decline in democracy and presence of “authoritarian tendencies” can not be allowed in Canada. Our Prime Minister must be held responsible to set an example for all political leaders.
The sudden prohibition of 1,500 firearms on May 1st, 2020, was not given it’s deserved review or debate in the House of Commons and therefore goes against every commitment to democracy Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made to Canadians. This authoritarian act of passing significant legislation by order in council also speaks to the decline of democracy around the world. As Members of Parliament, you can not tolerate this unethical action. House of Commons Procedure and Practice clearly states “a fundamental characteristic of parliamentary government… [is] the fact that the Prime Minister and the Cabinet… must answer to the House of Commons for their actions.” It is your responsibility to “protect and uphold our democratic values...[and] democratic institutions.” Demand this legislation be repealed. Demand a “cooperative and collaborative debate” and demand a proper vote. It is your civic duty to demand democracy on behalf of all Canadians.
Sincerely,
Lesley Butler,
Advocacy for Canadian Gun Owners
Sources:
(2017.) House of Commons Procedure and Practice. https://www.ourcommons.ca/About/ProcedureAndPractice3rdEdition/ch_02_2-e.html
Levitt, Micheal. (June 2019.) Renewing Canada’s Role in International Support for Democratic Development. https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/421/FAAE/Reports/RP10580262/faaerp28/faaerp28-e.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1mKFLAEwUToFqPBDjA0T2-mv3VGF7f4k5j9ZBrQZhAmo1QoCQQMDw0Pq4
Lilley, Brian. (May 6th, 2020.) Trudeau's gun ban is anti-democratic and goes against the evidence. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=782082752324912
(June 5th, 2017.) How Canada advances democracy in the world. https://www.international.gc.ca/world-monde/issues_development-enjeux_developpement/human_rights-droits_homme/advancing_democracy-avancer_democratie.aspx?lang=eng
(May 1st, 2020.) Trudeau announces ban on ‘assault-style’ firearms. https://globalnews.ca/video/6893303/trudeau-announces-ban-on-assault-style-firearms/#autoplay
(May 6th, 2020.) We’re Going to Court – Charter Challenge. http://firearmsrights.ca/en/we-are-going-to-court/
(March 19th, 2019.) Democracy in Canada. https://www.canada.ca/en/democratic-institutions/services/democracy-canada.html
(March 24th, 2020.) Trudeau vows 'unwavering commitment' to democratic principles. https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/video-trudeau-vows-unwavering-commitment-to-democratic-principles/
(November 27th, 2015.) Open and Accountable Government. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2015/11/27/open-and-accountable-government
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