Thread by @sunnshiiny

Confirmation that the senate is where the problem lies in progressive policy implementation.

https://twitter.com/sunnshiiny/status/1130901047231242242

Paula Simons alludes that Conservatives are intentionally obstructing amenable changes to block progressive policy from royal assent, even though it is the mandate of the sitting government. This is in direct defiance of the role of the upper house.

Exactly what I have been arguing is occurring with @BestStephen for 2 days.

Senator Simons is doing her job and then some. She’s offering amendments to compromise, cooperating with concerned citizens she’s engineered to meet publicly on their turf.

This is how politics works.

If you are focussing on the decision she made to not recommend the bill for approval as it stands, you are missing the key point she’s writing in this Maclean’s article.

Conservative Senators are obstructing any changes that would limit pipeline expansion.

By voting to not approve, this Alberta senator is shining light on the problem. Take the time to read the article and listen to what she is saying.

Alberta has an economic need to access the coast. Period.

Compromise to protect the environment is on the negotiating table.

However, it’s not Alberta interests (represented by Senator Simons) that aren’t willing to compromise and negotiate an amendment to meet environmental and economic needs. It’s the Conservative party who has control of the Senate Energy Committee and is refusing to negotiate.

This is how democracy is destroyed from within. When the Legislative branch votes along party lines and opposes the mandate and decisions of the Executive branch, democracy is essentially unachievable.

It’s the Senate that’s blocking democratic cooperation & compromise.

The bill is not dead.

Senator Simons is shouting from the upper chamber in the only way she can. There’s a major problem with the Senate caused by Conservative obstruction of climate action and environmental protection as mandated and demanded by the majority of Canadians.

Had she voted yes, no one would be paying attention.

Her vote no is a bull horn to grab your attention.

This is a Senator demanding national attention to the problem. Not an Alberta Senator shilling for Cons.

If you can’t tell the difference, read her article.

Don’t read it with the eyes focussed on her decision. Read it looking for information on what she is describing that conservative Senators have rejected. Democracy.

macleans.ca/politics/ottaw…

@Paulatics

Thank you Senator Simons for your continued dedication and persistence to keep Albertan and all Canadian citizens informed of your Senate role and responsibilities.

Every Canadian owes you a debt of gratitude.

You have my attention. The Senate is broken.

This is the source of all progressive policy obstruction.

We need to call out partisan obstruction of the will of the true majority of the Canadian electorate.

Changing the Executive branch won’t address the problem.

Attending to the problems in the Senate will.