The effectiveness of Parliament is under scrutiny as lawmakers grapple with the recent budget proposed by Mark Carney. Critics question the purpose of electing Members of Parliament (MPs) when they appear to support policies they previously condemned. The budget has been labeled by some as a reckless move toward insolvency, yet it is gaining traction among certain factions.

Avi Lewis, a member of the New Democratic Party (NDP), expressed his discontent, stating, "I’m with the majority of the NDP caucus who voted against this austerity budget that would have made Stephen Harper smile, a gusher of corporate welfare and weapons spending." This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with the apparent collaboration between the NDP and Conservative Party regarding the budget.

Norman Spector, a political commentator, suggested that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre should publicly denounce Carney's election and the budget. He urged Poilievre to lead his MPs out of the House in protest. In response, some have argued that if Poilievre opposes the budget, he should resign from Parliament altogether.

The debate raises fundamental questions about the role of MPs. Jean-Louis de Lolme, an 18th-century Swiss immigrant, famously noted that while a king can bestow positions, he cannot govern without Parliament's consent. This historical perspective highlights the importance of legislative oversight in government operations.

Critics have pointed out that many MPs seem to act as "non-player characters" (NPCs), responding predictably to political stimuli without engaging in meaningful debate. This perception extends to party leaders, who often resort to repetitive rhetoric rather than addressing substantive issues.

Lewis criticized Carney for pushing through the budget without considering the minority mandate he holds, stating, "Prime Minister Carney needs to remember he has a minority mandate – instead of arrogantly forcing through a budget without changes, playing brinkmanship when Canadians are clear they don’t want an election."

In contrast, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May has taken a different approach, negotiating support for the budget in exchange for commitments to meet climate targets. This strategy has drawn mixed reactions, with some believing it may not lead to tangible results.

As the budget debate continues, the effectiveness of Parliament and the accountability of elected officials remain at the forefront of public discourse. The ongoing discussions reflect a growing concern about the true purpose of parliamentary representation in the current political landscape.