God Help Us credit @NiBeroeva
Last
evening I witnessed something very special in Canadian politics, played out for
the nation over CPAC in a special take note debate by Committee of the Whole on
the situation in Ukraine.
As
the cold winter winds set over Ottawa, far away in Ukraine, Kyiv’s City Council
and Independence Square was enveloped by water turned to ice creating a
precarious, yet somewhat effective non-violent stance by its citizens. The
spirit of civility and belief in the foundation of democracy and the adherence
to rule of law warmed the hearts of our nation into action, including our
Honourable Members, regardless of politics or party.
Memorable Moments:
Nash: Is the
government sending an urgent message to protect the rights of peaceful protestors?
Baird: We all seek a
peaceful resolution, for the government to dial down the rhetoric, and engage
the opposition [mentions his own recent visit to Ukraine] thanks Nash “for being a friend to Ukraine”
Goodale: how can we
show Ukrainian president he cannot act with impunity…how can we show acting
outside democracy has consequence
Nash: Ukraine
Constitution protects for violation of human rights….must keep the pressure on,
show that the world is watching
Komarnicki: has attended Ukraine
elections, and the central core of upset is the lack of democracy and expressed
will...this is a pivotal time in the Ukraine, it was those that gathered in the
square, peacefully demonstrating their desires that are of concern here … Justice
must not only be done, but be seen to be done
Note: This weekend was
supposed to be by-elections meant to address irregularities in last elections
including voter fraud, ballot issues, etc
Dewar: reads message from
Ukrainian Canadian Congress, advising of police action in the Square at present
Day: how should we
support Ukraine regarding concrete actions?
Cote: Ukraine looking
for moral support, for us to be present, to call on political authorities to
remember where they came from
Christopherson’s
impassioned speech: now we lend our voices, next step is to implement
recommendations (from previous election observances)…they deserve control of
their own country…
Lamoureaux: notes benefits of
co-operation between Canadian and Ukrainian Parliamentarians. Extends the hand
of friendship…. The right thing is restraint, allowing for peaceful protest
Lois Brown: recent events in
Ukraine demonstrate democratic deficit exists… And Canada will continue to
support freedom and democracy and essential that elections be fair and free.
Canada committed 11.4 million to the most recent past elections process.
Kenney: Can we all just
condemn right now what is going on in Ukraine
Sobering Thoughts
What
happens when a theoretically democratic country’s political leaders fail to
respect the rule of law and the right of the people to express their will?
As
the House debated, riot police moved in. Citizens peacefully demonstrating
their rights to express themselves, and to voice their support of EU
integration, were at risk of violence from the very leader who had promised to
follow the will of the people.
What
will happen to/in the by-elections which were supposed to occur in Ukraine this
weekend? Will there be another delay?
In
May of 2013, Ukraine’s constitutional court ruled that Kyiv would be deprived
of their right to vote for the Kyiv mayor and council until 2015. There is a
current sitting mayor that is unelected.
Final Thoughts
Last
evening, I can honestly say I was truly proud to be Canadian. Despite the
scandals, the mistakes and foibles of our House and Senate, the petty politics
and bickering, the childish jabs during QP, when we have the will, we as
Canadians truly approach our finest hours. When we look beyond ourselves to
support others and not bicker over internal blame, we can and do have the
ability to show Canadians and the world political discourse at its very best.
From
Min. Baird’s recognition of Peggy Nash as a friend to Ukraine, to Goodale’s
call to action, the Members conducted themselves with civility, dignity and
dare I say friendship and goodwill. The repeated emphasis by all (save for
Sopuck, which I will leave out or you can read on my twitter feed) that the
intent of this discourse in the late evening on the last night before Christmas
break that this debate was a reasoned, non-partisan, genuine attempt to support
the citizens of Ukraine as a united front, was an inspiring reminder of what
can be accomplished if political will demands it. Thank you, dear Members, for
showing the youth of your country, and all Canadians, we are capable of rising
to the occasion when it counts. Well done!
For a moving story on
#Euromaidan as it happened:
Statement by Stephen
Harper:
Statement by Premier Wynne:
Priest standing in front of police bulldozer credit @shaunwalker7
Follow for more pictures and info @artofpoliticsca
