Did you know that the year 2015 represents the 800th
anniversary of the signing of the Magna Carta by King John, who, by so doing (after
being forced by English barons) acknowledged that the monarchy was under the
law? By raising the question of who sets limits on the authority of the
King, the Magna Carta (or Long Charter) contributed to the rise of parliament.
Unfortunately James Moore, former Minister of Heritage, and
our current Minister of Heritage, whose name escapes me, along with the rest of
Cabinet, as well as, assuredly, the Prime Minister, have focussed their attention
on more recent events to mark. First
there was the recognition of the War of 1812, and since then preparations have long
been under way to remember our boys at Vimy Ridge in 1917, and the First World
War in general.
This emphasis on our military history brings out a certain Roman sense of virility. But what about the medieval history of the “mother
of all Parliaments”? Surely the
Government of Canada should want to celebrate the Westminster model of
parliamentary democracy on such an auspicious occasion. Or are the Conservatives suffering from a
serious case of cognitive dissonance?
At any event, let’s also remember that 2015 is also our election year, and it’s our opportunity to set limits on the authority of our
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