Party Discipline

By Wendy Tso, University of Alberta LL.B. student

Canada's representative democracy is intended to allow citizens to voice their opinions and concerns through their elected Member of Parliament. Almost all eligible candidates belong to one of the four main political parties in Canada: The The Liberals, The The Conservatives, The New Democrats, or the Bloc Quebecois. In addition to the unfair and unequal electoral process, many contend that party politics and rigid discipline contribute to the democratic deficit in Canada. Instead of acting in accordance with the wishes of their constituents, party members are often forced to "tow the party line" and do what their party leaders demand.[i] Elected officials vote on legislation according to party policy and are strongly discouraged to criticize or dissent from the leader's actions. Furthermore, party discipline is heavily criticized for giving too much power to the Prime Minister.[ii]

In the past decade, The Right Honourable Paul Martin's election and re-election platforms have consistently supported parliamentary reform. This includes reducing party discipline and promoting the private members' bills system for elected officials to represent their constituents' interests via legislation. In 2004, an experimental "line voting" system was put in place by the Liberals to reduce party discipline.[iii] The Honourable David Kilgour explains this system as categorizing some voting matters that require absolute party solidarity, and others which should allow members to vote freely: "One-liners would be truly free votes, which would allow all members, including Cabinet members to vote as they see fit. Two-line votes would compel Cabinet members and relevant parliamentary secretaries to vote with the government and encourage all other caucus members to do likewise. Three-line votes are considered to be matters of confidence and would require all members to vote with the government. Items such as the Throne Speech, the budget and important supply motions are considered three-liners."[iv]

Further Reading:

• Democracy Now, David Kilgour