The injustice Conservatives are feigning over sitting of parliament is amusing.

When a disgruntled Army Ranger crashed into the gate of the Prime Minister's residence fully armed, leaving behind a letter which among other things expressed frustration that the government wasn't sitting regularly in parliament I was shocked; in all my years, I've never heard a rational person express frustration over such a topic.

I have however heard politicians talk about it. Specifically, members of the Conservative party. Typically lavished with over exaggerations and lies. If you listen exclusively to Andrew Scheer or his fellow party members you would be forgiven for believing that somehow, not sitting in powers changes the powers available to the ruling party.

This isn't true. While the Liberal minority has managed to legislate some changes, they have done nothing which is exclusively outside of their power. Nor, are the actions being taken in any way unjustified. The situation in the US should paint a clear enough picture that the threat of transmission from sitting in parliament is what is important. It is that our Federal leaders are seen to be respecting the advice of health experts on this topic.

If the situation were as untenable as the Conservatives would have you believe, then the Liberals would currently be running around with unchecked control over the finances for 5 years or until they are ousted. The simple fact remains; the rules which govern our country are still in place and applicable and the Liberals can't do much of anything without a vote in the house of commons. And this is a big part of the reason that, while perhaps more infrequent, parliament is still sitting periodically.

They are being held to account and kept in check by the rules which govern our country. Period.

But, what I think is more egregious here is the sheer ignorance of the prior Conservative government's activities. While certainly not the only PM to do so, Harper regularly  prorogued parliament. And often, conveniently around scandals. The difference between proroguing and what is happening now is important. While parliament is prorogued, no bills can be passed, the ruling party can easily make themselves unavailable to answer questions. And while a bit of a stretch, government is effectively shut down.

The current administration has prorogued zero times. Despite ample controversies which might have provided reason to do so. They have also continued to sit in parliament providing a formal venue for accountability. And hold daily press briefings.

None of this replaces the old system. It isn't "as good" or even "good enough". But, it is appropriate given the current situation.

But, it is more accountability than proroguing government provides. And after the prior administration orchestrated some of the longest suspensions of parliament in Canadian history, it SHOULD be refreshing to people of all political stripes that the approach being taken is one of adjusting, rather suspending parliament.

To play the other side of the fence, if parties feel like the current situation doesn't offer them enough of a voice I think it is fair to push for more sittings. But, I would expect reasonable requests (right back to full sittings 5 days a week is anything but), and some valid justification or proof that this is hurting their ability to represent their constituents.

Without these things it just seems like the Conservatives are trying to politicize a pandemic to their own ends. And frankly, they've done little to convince me that their intentions are otherwise.