Thread by @MichaelChongMP

Whole thread here:

1/ Why is anyone surprised about this? This government undermined the rule of law in one of its first official acts.

theglobeandmail.com/politics/artic…

#cdnpoli

2/ The Reform Act amended Section 49 of the Parliament of Canada Act. It requires MPs (and cabinet ministers) to vote 4 times at the first caucus meeting after a general election. These votes determine the power of the party leader (including the PM) and the power of MPs.

3/ On Nov. 5, 2015, the Liberal caucus met for the first time. At that meeting, the Liberal cabinet did NOT comply with Section 49 of the Parliament of Canada Act. In fact, the Liberal leadership encouraged the caucus NOT to comply with the law.

ottawacitizen.com/news/national/…

4/ Section 49 has no provision to “defer” or “delay” the votes. No provision to defer to a future caucus meeting. No provision to send to a party convention. The law is clear. The 4 votes determining power at the heart of our democracy must take place at the first caucus meeting.

5/ Section 49 also requires the Liberal caucus chair inform the Speaker of the 4 vote results. Since the Liberals did not comply with Section 49, I was curious what was in that letter to the Speaker. So, on Dec. 10, 2015, I asked the Speaker to table that letter. He refused.

6/ That avenue being blocked, on Feb. 3&4, 2016, I asked the Attorney-General whether she was upholding the rule of law with respect to Section 49. The answers speak for themselves.

openparliament.ca/debates/2016/2…
openparliament.ca/debates/2016/2…

7/ Not getting any satisfaction in QP, on Feb. 29, 2016 I wrote the Attorney-General directly. The letter is below. I got no response from her.

8/ Just before the Globe and Mail story broke, I sent another letter to the current Attorney-General, hoping for a reply and some action on his part. We’ll see what happens.

9/ These Section 49 four votes are important: They determine whether the PM can kick someone out of caucus, who selects the caucus chair, how caucus ousts the leader and how the interim leader is selected. In other words, they are about the power at the heart of our democracy.