Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Our House’s Shining Moment



                                                                       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
 

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