The word of the day is: impropriety

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This article was published 13/03/2021 (1913 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

There’s a reason why almost every MLA who has used unparliamentary language in Manitoba’s legislature, and been asked to withdraw their statement, has done so immediately and without reservation: they respect the institution.

That can’t be said about NDP MLA Nahanni Fontaine, who this week got tossed from the chamber after deciding she’s above the rules.

The legislature can be a toxic environment at the best of times. Political sniping, heckling, and mudslinging occur often in the house, particularly during question period.

All political parties are guilty of it. The worst barbs are often heard when microphones are turned off; those rarely make it into Hansard (the official record of what is said in the chamber).

However, when comments are on the record — when a member crosses the line and makes disparaging remarks (or uses a word not permitted in the house) — the Speaker asks the MLA to withdraw it.

It’s a recognition there’s a line in the sand between civil and uncivil debate. Ninety-nine times out of 100, the member withdraws.

They do so because they know the legislative assembly is an institution that is bigger than themselves. They respect its history and the critical role it plays in our democracy, including the need to maintain decorum.

If they refuse to withdraw, as Fontaine did Wednesday, they are ejected from the house. They can’t return for the rest of the day.

It’s a rare occurrence; it has only happened a handful of times in Manitoba over the past few decades.

There’s no honour in getting kicked out of the chamber for using unparliamentary language. It’s not a courageous act of civil disobedience that raises awareness around an important issue. It’s a political stunt, a cheap attempt at self-promotion.

Fontaine, the NDP justice critic, said the Pallister government “doesn’t give a crap about Indigenous women and girls in this province.”

She has every right to criticize government for inaction on violence against Indigenous women and girls, whether perceived or real. She doesn’t have a right to disrespect the institution; the place St. Johns voters sent her to represent the constituency.

There are reasons for maintaining decorum in the legislature. If MLAs were allowed to say anything that pops into their head, the legislative assembly would degenerate into a cesspool of insults and character assassinations (eclipsing anything that exists today). It would erode its legitimacy.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew said Fontaine’s unparliamentary language was acceptable because the word “crap” is used on radio and TV. That’s a pretty low bar.

The legislative assembly is not broadcast media; it’s a democratic institution where elected officials debate and pass laws and make important decisions for society. It’s not a pool hall.

Protocols exist in courtrooms for the same reason. People in courtrooms follow etiquette, they don’t chew gum or wear hats, and they refer to judges as “your honour.” Lawyers don’t tell judges they “don’t give a crap” about something, no matter how much they may disagree with a ruling.

Decorum is a necessary part of maintaining legitimacy.

Fontaine, who also serves as NDP house leader, said the legislative assembly is more concerned about the word “crap” than the killing of Indigenous women and girls. It’s a ludicrous claim.

To suggest Speaker Myrna Driedger, a longtime advocate of women’s rights, or MLAs on either side of the house are not concerned about women and girls being murdered is preposterous. It’s a disgraceful accusation.

Fontaine’s antics do nothing to advance the cause of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. They do not elevate the debate or get people “enraged” enough to do something about the crisis, as Fontaine suggests.

All it does is drag down the quality of debate and debases the institution Fontaine serves in.

» Tom Brodbeck has been covering Manitoba politics since the early 1990s and joined the Winnipeg Free Press news team in 2019.