Mr. Speaker, in the wake of the Alberta Senate election, a new phobia has just been discovered, “democrophobia”. The six early warning signs are:
One, an irrational and excessive fear of parliamentary committees interviewing judges.
Two, a disturbing lack of guilt while denying membership forms to rivals in the Liberal leadership race.
Three, a fear of debate, invoking closure within the first six days of becoming Prime Minister.
Four, the experience of extreme highs and lows in favour or against democratic nominations; being for nomination battles involving political enemies, but against nomination battles involving friends.
Five, the denial about past statements such as “Free votes in the House of Commons are now a matter of course”, yet, within months disallowing a free vote by Liberal members on the gun registry.
Six, the mere sight of Senate elections causing panic attacks, odd outbursts like “no piecemeal reform”, and a paralysis of action.
A prime minister with one or more of those symptoms should be evaluated by Canadian voters as soon as possible.