Most of us have heard by now that Stephen Harper has suspended (prorogued) Parliament until March. Most Canadians have reacted negatively to this cynical and undemocratic move.

This gives us an opportunity to reflect on the role of Parliament in our democracy. Some may think that Parliament is a theatre of political posturing and does little to advance the well being of our country. That is exactly the perception that Mr. Harper wants to perpetuates hoping that Canadians would forgive him for shutting it down. That is why it’s important to remind ourselves how valuable Parliament is for Canada.

Members of Parliament get elected by their constituents in Canadian democracy. Governments are only formed based on the makeup of Parliament, making Parliament supreme. Parliament is where the government is held accountable (the prime minister must always maintain the confidence of the House of Commons). It is where new law proposals must be debated, questioned and voted on. It is where Parliamentary committees conduct public hearings on legislations and other important matters. It is where the government must face daily questions held in public on issues of concern to Canadians.

It is true that Parliament has a theatrical side to it that I wish we had less of, but we can’t dismiss the function it serves Canadians. Take just 2009 for example. If it wasn’t for Parliament, the Conservative government was going to ignore the economic crisis and offer no stimulus. It was Parliament that forced the government to improve Employment Insurance access during these difficult times. It was Parliament that helped Canadians abandoned abroad return to Canada despite a reluctant Conservative government. It is Parliament that uncovered inconsistencies in the government’s story in dealing with Afghan detainees. The list goes on. This happened in just one year.

Parliament may seem noisy and occasionally obsessed with political posturing, but if you cut through the noise you can easily see that our Parliament provides an invaluable service to Canadians.

Governments will always claim that Parliament is a distraction because it is easier if there’s less scrutiny. Governments may want us to believe that vigorous debates over issues are pointless, but the opposite is what is true. Competition for policies and oversight are essential components of any self-respecting and meaningful democracy.

While citizens in Iran are risking their lives by protesting in the streets for democracy and while our soldiers are risking their lives so Afghanistan can protect its infant democracy, don’t let Stephen Harper talk you into believing that Canadian democracy is a nuisance or a game.

Here is an example of how Canadians are reclaiming their democracy.