Mark Carney vehemently denied considering a prorogation of Parliament should his party secure a majority after upcoming by-elections. He dismissed reports suggesting he’d even contemplated such a move, stating it “never even entered my thinking.”
However, a strategic prorogation could actually streamline his government’s agenda. Securing control of parliamentary committees is a key advantage of a majority, and prorogation offers a pathway to achieve that swiftly.
Prorogation, the temporary suspension of a parliamentary session, isn’t a novel tactic. It’s a long-established tool used by prime ministers for centuries to reset and refocus legislative priorities.
In 2008, Stephen Harper employed prorogation during a period of economic turmoil. Facing a potential vote of no confidence fueled by disagreements over stimulus measures, he temporarily shut down Parliament. This allowed his government to regroup and ultimately capitalize on shifting public sentiment.
While some now view prorogation with suspicion, its historical use reveals a practical purpose. Prime Ministers like Louis St. Laurent, Lester Pearson, and Pierre Trudeau all utilized it, sometimes even reconvening Parliament on the very same day with a new session.
Brian Mulroney similarly prorogued and immediately recalled Parliament in 1991, demonstrating the maneuver’s potential for a swift governmental “reset” without significant disruption to ongoing legislative work.
Mechanisms even exist to ensure crucial bills aren’t lost during prorogation, allowing them to resume progress seamlessly upon Parliament’s return. This minimizes any actual loss of parliamentary time.
Carney’s denial raises questions. Either he lacks a full understanding of parliamentary procedure, or his emphatic rejection suggests a deliberate attempt to downplay a potentially advantageous strategy.
A short, strategic prorogation following a majority win would be a legitimate exercise of power, allowing Carney to rightfully assert control over committees and advance his government’s objectives. It’s a move that, from a purely strategic perspective, warrants serious consideration.
The power to control the legislative agenda is a core benefit of a majority government, and prorogation is a recognized method for achieving that control. The current parliamentary landscape allows opposition parties to obstruct government business, a situation a majority would resolve.
