[On Aug. 19 the federal Conservative government of…]

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On Aug. 19 the federal Conservative government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper declared its plan to prorogue the Canadian Parliament—for the fourth time.

Harper used prorogation in 2007, but subsequent moves to prorogue in 2008 and 2010 drew the most fire. In 2008, Harper’s minority government used the tactic to prevent the combined opposi­ tion from removing him and forming a coalition government. He prorogued Jobless Recovery isn’t Working Chronic job insecurity and declin­ ing living standards mark the “re­ covery” from the Great Recession.

Statistics Canada reported in mid-August that, while the private sector gained 34,600 jobs, the public sector lost 74,000. The net loss of 39,400 belies the claim of Conservative Fi­ nance Minister Jim Flaherty that his austerity policies are working.

But it’s worse than that, accord­ ing to Citizens for Public Justice:

Although the official unemployment rate is 7.2 per cent, it is actually 10.3 per cent if “discouraged workers”

(those who have given up their job search in frustration) are included.

With billions of dollars in “dead money” hidden in corporate coffers, untaxed off-shore accounts, megamergers and acquisitions, there is no lack of capacity to generate jobs to meet human needs. All that stands in the way is the outmoded system of private ownership of the means of production. again in 2010 in the midst of a contro­ versy over the Canadian Force’s mis­ treatment of prisoners in Afghanistan, and just prior to the 2010 Winter Olym­ pics hosted by Vancouver.

Before the summer break this year, Harper faced daily criticism in the House of Commons over the ongoing scandal involving the expenses of sena­ tors, including three Conservatives he had appointed. Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair accused Harper of shutting down Parliament to evade accountabil­ ity and to avoid questions on the Senate.

“People aren’t going to be fooled. This is clearly a desperate government worn out by ethical scandals and mismanage­ ment. Stephen Harper refuses to answer legitimate questions from the public,” the NDP leader said.

Senate reform legislation is just one of several bills that will die on the order paper with prorogation. The govern­ ment is awaiting a Supreme Court opin­ ion on Senate reform that could come in Fall 2013. The NDP is presently con­ ducting a commendable cross-country campaign to abolish the Senate.

Prorogation would not affect the Audi­ tor General’s review of Senate expenses. However, the recommendations of a Senate report concerning Senator Pa­ mela Wallin’s expense claims would be on hold until they are adopted by the full Senate. That can’t happen while Par­ liament is prorogued.

Other affected legislation includes changes to the Canada Elections Act to establish new rules for political loans, and a bill to change parole rules for of­ fenders found not criminally respon­ sible for their actions. However, these bills can be reintroduced at their most recent stage in the House of Commons.

A private member’s bill that would require labour unions to publish de­