The backdoor dealings of our elected officials to fill their own coffers never seem to end. They represent values and beliefs that are incongruent with the values and beliefs most of us hold dear. Stripping the Canadian taxpayers of their expectation, and their right, to have those they’ve elected to represent them practice responsible stewardship of the finances that we entrust to them is a violation of every Canadian taxpayer past, current and future.

Were you paying close attention when a quiet transaction took place to allocate $670,000 taxpayer dollars to the federal New Democrats? The cash strapped “also rans” wound up being decimated in the last federal election. Oh well! It happens! But, in today’s government of backroom deals, this was an opportunity that was too good to miss. Although the voters of this nation thought the shenanigans in the past government utilizing Jagmeet and Co. for a “Yes Day” deserved removal from official party status, the federal Liberals still had a use for the NDP in today’s government. Only 7 NDP MPs were returned by voters to their posts in Parliament, down from 24 in the previous term. The threshold for official party status is 12 elected MPs. When parties reach this level of “official party status,” they are entitled to additional funding for research, staff, etc. to aid with providing the more vigorous debate, “yada yada”, you know how they defend such slush.

It seems the NDP have friends in high places. An all-party consent, that is, Liberals, Conservatives and Bloc, plus some unelected members of the Board of Internal Economy, all agreed to lower the threshold from 12 down to 6 sitting MP’s. Why six you ask? Well, that covered all the bases as NDP MP Lori Idlout from Nunavut crossed the floor to join the Liberal several months back in the shameless purchase of a majority government by Prime Minister Mark Carney. There were obvious perks for Lucky Lori and her riding, including very controversial contracts that her husband received to build and provide supplies for northern developments. One has to wonder (quietly) if the NDP’s recent windfall was not part of the bribe? I mean $670,000 is not a small sum of money to make up for the disappointing loss of 16 seats. It is a bit of solace and comfort for the crocodile tears being shed in public. Especially since the party is languishing under the load of a $13 million debt. Seriously folks, they have one job, to manage taxpayer dollars—they are hopelessly insolvent, and our government handed them MORE taxpayer money. (Note: The Christian Heritage Party, unlike the larger parties, has a formal internal policy to NOT incur debt for election campaigns).

Things are getting even more interesting now. Only a few weeks after this exception was put in place, the last remaining Quebec NDP MP, Alexandre Boulerice, decided to jump ship and run provincially for Quebec Solidaire in the upcoming fall provincial election in Montreal’s Gouin riding. This means that now the NDP again falls below the new “changed to accommodate” pathetic threshold of 6 to just 5 seats. Oh, how the corrupt have fallen. At this rate, the NDP will be seatless before the next election. Add to the fact that newly elected leader, Avi Lewis, doesn’t currently have his own seat in the house. They must be in a panic that, if another NDP MP had to step aside to allow Avi to run in a by-election to earn his own seat, they might lose that one too. They’re settling to have Don Davies from Vancouver do the work in the house. It will be a test of integrity to see how the government reacts: will they lower the threshold again, or rescind the money and let the NDP go bankrupt?

I apologize if this Communiqué seems to come off as gloating. The reality is that the advantages that the ruling parties give themselves when they form the government of our nation is an injustice that needs to end. A long time ago, early in the development of our own beloved party, policies were drafted and commitments were made to our voters to outlaw this kind of graft and pork barrelling. It is undemocratic, tipping the scales in favour of incumbents and sitting governments. Taxpayers’ dollars are held in trust for the public good, not to prop up failing political parties with unsustainable platforms.

Canadians spoke in the last election. They elected only 7 NDP MPs. By reallocating funds to allow the NDP to hold official status—with all the perks—the Board of Internal Economy is setting themselves up in opposition to the voters. The NDP policies are not what Canadians want. They didn’t vote for those policies. This is a serious infringement on our democracy to override the voters. Perhaps, the same deal should be offered to other parties? If we tilt the scale a little further, we could allow the Green Party official status (they have one MP).

As things stand today, the three largest political parties receive millions of dollars in “reimbursements” after each election. The CHP and a dozen other smaller parties receive zero. That reinforces the status quo and gives the biggest parties—the ones who make the rules!—incredible advantages in their ability to advertise and fund future campaigns.

Democracy is rule by the people. We must oppose these “mercy” moves that are supposed to protect the will of the people but in reality damage the will of the people. Our governments use them to prop up approved businesses, whether or not the business is viable. They use them to bring about change, whether or not it’s wanted. They use it to alter the electoral wishes of Canadians, which is obviously not wanted.

What would the CHP do differently? Canadians need a party that will stand up for democracy, for a level playing field and for equal opportunity. We will! We know we will give an account for our decisions before Almighty God. That’s a powerful incentive to doing what’s right.

Canadian politics has changed over the years, and not for the better. Corruption has seeped in and undermined the original intent and purposes of our founders as well as the biblical moral standards they envisioned for Canada. It’s time to return to the principles of integrity, justice and freedom. Join CHP! Vote for change! Make that change happen!