Baby steps toward reconvening the Opposition part of Parliament

Liberal Party leader Michael Ignatieff has ordered his caucus to meet on January 25. It is a symbolic gesture so far, with discussions with experts to be held on various issues.

He just needs to take it one step further. Just meet with all of the Opposition. The Conservatives have been able to act like a majority government simply because of the divided Opposition. Understandably, different parties will approach issues differently, and the Opposition does not have to always walk in lockstep. However, with regards to the premature prorogation of Parliament, this is one instance where all of the Opposition must act together. If prorogation is used too frequently, the legislative branch of the federal government will be rendered much slower, more inefficient, and less responsive.

Harper has already scuttled over 30 bills before Parliament, including the government's own anti-crime legislation. He has also disregarded the convention of proroguing Parliament only at the end of a legislative session.

In order to show Harper (and future Prime Ministers) that this will not be tolerated, the Opposition should act in unison and meet. It may only be symbolic. It may end up that they end up working together and preparing for the next Parliamentary session in order to move more quickly (under threat of more frequent prorogation).

Either way there is no harm in all of the Opposition meeting. At worst, nothing is accomplished. At best, public goodwill may be generated, and real work is done in preparation for the next legislative session.

As Wayne Gretzky once said, you miss one hundred percent of the shots that you don't take.

Peace and long life.