Prime Minister Stephen Harper who likes to control all aspects of his government is facing a backlash among some of his members of Parliament. Some backbench Conservative MPs are angry about what they say are efforts to silence them in the House of Commons, especially when they raise the issue of abortion.
The mini-revolt broke spilled out onto the floor to the Commons on Tuesday. Two Tory MPs–Mark Warawa and Leon Benoit–rose to ask the Speaker to rule that their privileges as MPs had been violated because their own party leadership prevented them from speaking on a number of controversial issues, including abortion.
Mr. Harper has continuously stayed away from the abortion issue and does not want it reopened in the House of Commons. Mr. Warawa says he has the right to raise any issue he desires.
Other Conservative MPs have made similar complaints on Twitter and in blogs.
The government’s whip, Gordon O’Connor, rejected the dissident MPs’ complaints, saying the lists of members’ statements have been drawn up by the party whips and it is the party leader leader who decides what is suitable for debate in the Commons.
The conflict is the first time that Mr. Harper has failed to keep any caucus rebellion private since he took power in 2006.
The rebellion does not come at a good time for Mr. Harper. After seven years in power the popularity of his Tories is beginning to sag. And public opinion polls suggest that Justin Trudeau, who is on course to win the leadership of the Liberal Party in April, would likely beat Mr. Harper if an election were to be held now.
However, Mr. Harper–with a majority–can decide when to hold the next vote. He does not have to call an election until 2015. (th)
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