pro⋅rogue –verb (used with object), -rogued, -ro⋅guing.

1. to discontinue a session of (the British Parliament or a similar body).

2. to defer; postpone

(From Reference.com - http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Prorogue)

As I write this blog, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is meeting with the Governor General to ask her to prorogue (or suspend) Parliament. 

The Governor General is the Head of State’s representative and the Prime Minister is her principal advisor – that is the relationship in a Constitutional Monarchy, and the Governor General, by convention, would normally accept the advise of her Prime Minister, and therefore prorogue Parliament.

However, this situation is different, Parliament has only been in session for 2 weeks.  Stephen Harper’s request for suspension of Parliament appears to be a ruse to avoid a vote of confidence on Monday that he will more than likely lose. 

If the Governor General accepts his advise and prorogues Parliament today, this sets a dangerous precedent, as it means that any Prime Minister in the future can use this tactic to get out of a political jam.

If she denies it, by convention the Prime Minister would have to resign, as he has lost the confidence of the Head of State.

We live in interesting times.

Update: – The Governor General accepted the Prime Minister's request for a prorogation of Parliament.  Probably the best scenario, as it allows time for a cooling off period.  I am concerned, however, with the legal precedent.

The Conservatives continue to claim that a coalition government consisting of Liberal and NDP MPs would be undemocratic.  Maybe its time they took some lessons in democracy.

Canada’s government is based on the concept of Representational Democracy, and follows the English model – as a former colony.  When we go to the polls we elect a Member of Parliament – we do NOT elect a Party.  That the Member we elect is a member of a Party is not theoretically of any importance.

Once the election is concluded the Head of State, in our case the Governor General – the Queen’s representative – chooses the individual as Prime Minister that he/she believes has the support of a majority of the members.  While this is normally the leader of the largest party, this is just because that leader can be expected to get a vote of confidence in Parliament.

If there is a vote of no confidence in Parliament, the Governor General has two choices, dissolve Parliament and call an election or ask someone else to see if they can get a vote of confidence passed.  Both of these options are completely democratic.

So Prime Minister Stephen Harper – you are a smart man – so stop trying to hoodwink Canadians about what is democratic and what is not, in order to save your political bacon.  If you were a real leader you would admit to making a mistake and call on the other political parties to work together to solve the economic mess we are in.