The place where silly ideas end up
Ask kids; school isn’t the most exciting place to spend the day. Apart from the uncomfortable chairs, the industrial lighting, the water fountains that never seem to jet properly, there’s the elephant in the room. Curriculum. Well, at the risk of boring a captive audience even more, I suggest that we include a small dose of civics.
Not civility, because no teacher is up to that duty; civics. A study of government. Governments, since we’re stuck with multiple levels and an internecine level of conflict without resolution. If that phrase seems convoluted, then I rest my case. More civics all around. Actually, I received an email this week that wanted to warn me about a bill before the Canadian parliament. No reason for me to tell you which one, given that any bill has defenders and offended.
Rather, I took the time to use some of the resources available to the curious, and looked at the list of bill currently under consideration by the elected among us. I’m not sure if I should laugh, cry or pray for another prorogation. Talk about a dog’s breakfast of proposals.
First of all, here’s a link for you to follow (should you need a giggle or a reason to complain): LEGISinfo. Note (since you may have forgotten your parliamentary basics) that there are two houses in our system, and bills can begin their path before either the Commons or the Senate.
Next, try to find a distinction between “government bills” and “private bills”. One involves an organized attempt to fool the electorate, the other demonstrates just how bored some members are…
My current favorite is probably Bill C-252, because it’s time to ban the penny. I recognize that the retirement savings of many Canadians would be affected, and I would miss the piggy bank with the penny slot. However, I haven’t replaced an electrical fuse with a penny in decades.
