MLA Report: Debate within parties is a healthy way for democracy to thrive

By Medicine Hat News Opinion on March 19, 2021.

“Freedom of speech applies to all or none because power never negotiates.”

– R.A. Delmonico

“We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still.”

– John Stuart Mill, 

On Liberty

In Canada, we are blessed with a right to several freedoms. In particular, under section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, we are blessed with the “freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression;” often referred to as freedom of speech.

That right is given to all those living in Canada, and is tied closely with other guaranteed freedoms, such as religion. Citizens have a right to express themselves peacefully, particularly towards an elected government.

This of course makes sense, as the government is elected by the people, and is responsible to the citizens it represents. Responsible protesting is one way this is done; however, these citizens are also able to speak through their elected representatives in the legislature.

Sometimes issues arise, and members may have to express the frustration of their constituents both in the legislature and in the community, often through various forms of media. As representatives of our constituencies in the legislature, this is a vital part of our job. I, and many other members here, take this responsibility seriously.

Differing beliefs, along with the ability to express and share them, are key to a healthy democracy. In the legislature, we often have varying opinions and beliefs from not only our constituents, but ourselves as well. We must remain free to do the job for which we were elected.

Party politics is an honored tradition of the Westminster Parliamentary System, and while members of any given party may be part of that party due to most of their ideals aligning, it is not uncommon for members to disagree on certain aspects of policy.

Just as disagreement in the legislature is healthy for democracy, disagreement and debate within parties themselves is also a healthy way for democracy, and the grassroots movement in particular, to thrive.

It is only through healthy debate and disagreement that we can come to a better understanding of all perspectives, and see sides of an issue that we have not yet explored ourselves.

Drew Barnes is the MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat