One of my Conservative colleagues, Ontario MP Michael Chong, has put forward a proposal to change Question Period.

Chong’s proposal would designate specific days in the House of Commons for certain subjects. In addition, the Prime Minister would be allowed to answer questions at length during Question Period one day per week. The time allowed for MPs to ask questions would be lengthened. MPs would be permitted to ask questions that are not approved by their House leaders.

I will be supporting these changes for two reasons.  First, I believe they will bring a better quality of debate to our national legislature.
Secondly, it will allow backbench MPs, to better represent you, our constituents.  We will be free to ask questions that have relevance to our ridings.  Today, most of Question Period is staged theater: an attempt to get national press coverage for the most sensational issues.

It is time the House of Commons becomes more relevant to the everyday lives of Canadians. These proposed reforms to Question Period are a good place to start.

I’m Brad Trost, your Member of Parliament in Saskatoon-Humboldt. You can call my office in Saskatoon at 975-6133 or drop by our two offices to visit: Saskatoon Monday-Friday or Humboldt Tuesday and Wednesday. I always appreciate your feedback.