Memo To Conservatives and Commentators: This is Not a “Crisis”

The ubiquitous ‘crisis’ moniker seems to have attached itself to the current goings-on in Ottawa. Though I understand the need to make this situation sexy, this crisis narrative is profoundly irresponsible. Describing the workings of our parliamentary system in such terms serves to undermine our most fundamental institutions.

In a parliamentary democracy, voters elect members of parliament. Democratic legitimacy in our system derives from the confidence of these members expressed in the House of Commons. If a coalition of opposition parties can sustain the confidence of the House, this coalition is just as legitimate as the Conservative minority that preceded it.

So lets stop calling this a crisis. This is not a crisis, nor is it undemocratic.  It is parliamentary democracy at work.