By Jason Logan
Seinfeld’s writers made a career out of the absurd. They even targeted Canada’s Parliament. In one episode, Kramer asks if he can watch a video in Jerry’s apartment. The reason: Kramer’s VCR is tied up taping Question Period.
Most laugh because the line is laden with sarcasm. Who would want to watch Canada’s politicians? But what Seinfeld’s writers don’t know – and what many Canadians don’t know either – is that our nation’s politicians provide a rare form of entertainment fit for prime time.
Much has been written on the futility of Question Period. Canadians complain the daily meeting of big wigs accomplishes nothing. And they’re right.
But people love shows filled with conflict. That’s why Survivor fans tune in every week.
Recently, QP critics have complained of Liberal cabinet ministers ducking questions and undermining the entire democratic process.
A few weeks back, Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe asked Citizenship and Immigration Minister Elinor Caplan when the Justice Department notified her of an extradition request by the Italian government for Gaetano Amodeo – an alleged murderer who twice applied for permanent residence in Canada.
But Duceppe was forced to ask the question four different times because Justice Minister Anne McLellan insisted on answering in Caplan’s place.
Enraged, Duceppe shouted out, “My question was for the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, not the Minister of Justice. We know that she knows nothing.”
While that sort of thing may not be good for democracy, it’s exactly what makes QP so entertaining. It was great to see the anger build in Duceppe each time McLellan rose from her seat. And it was hilarious when Commons Speaker Peter Milliken told members to hush up because he was sure they wanted to hear what the JusticeMinister had to say – when, in fact, the question had been posed to the Minister of Immigration.
So let’s set aside all the criticism of QP and celebrate it for what it is – a televised war of words and one-liners among those who lead our country and those who want to. The only thing missing is a rim shot after each waggish remark.
And the best part is that we can tune in live every day for a new episode. This week’s show: Clark vs. Chrétien XXVII: Yet Another Grand Mère Battle.
The only downside is that QP takes place at 2:15 p.m., when most Canadians are busy in their own daily grind. Perhaps they should take a cue from Kramer and set their VCRs.
In the meantime, here’s hoping a “best of” edition is in the works.