I really enjoy reading history. Not only do I enjoy reading history, I also learn some of the lessons of history. Considering the fact that I am an MP, and part of the national government, some of the lessons can actually be applied.

I mention this because I was reading some history on the British and Canadian parliaments. The author talked about how the parliamentary groups worked, the independence of MPs and also provided some excerpts from Hansard (the official record of debate in the House of Commons).

Two things impressed me in my readings: The quality of debate on issues, and the relative independence of thought and behavior of the Members of Parliaments. The MPs of long ago debated issues very seriously. They often decided which way they would vote by what they heard in the House of Commons.

Today, by contrast, parliamentary votes are almost exclusively decided by events outside of the House of Commons. In some ways, this is good because it allows groups from outside Parliament, (riding delegations, interest groups etc.) to make representations in order to provide input on important issues of the day. In other ways, however, this development is very negative.

It is particularly negative in regards to the conformity of public thought that it demonstrates. It also turns debates in the House of Commons into little more than theater and only rarely does debate become a thorough examination of the issues. (One notable exception to this debate was the debate on the definition of marriage where MPs from all sides of the issue engaged in deep thought and real debate.)

In this column I have identified the problem of parliamentary irrelevance, but I haven’t identified a solution. Now I know the reputation of politicians is that “they have an answer for everything.” Maybe I’m unique because I don’t have an answer for every question.

I have a few ideas: Make votes freer in the House of Commons, change party structures, move power from appointed officials to elected representatives. However, while I think these ideas are good, ultimately to effect change in our political culture, it has to come from below. All the new laws in the world will not provide for better representation and better democracy unless ordinary people get involved in the democratic process.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament, and I welcome your feedback. Write or call my offices.