EDITORIAL: Get the fiddle, er fuddle-duddle out

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Modern historians dismiss the legend about Nero fiddling while Rome burned.

It’s unlikely the Roman emperor played the fiddle — which wasn’t invented until the Middle Ages. Still, it’s an evocative image that conjures up visions of an unhinged ruler out of touch with his people.

A modern parallel is Prime Minister Justin Trudeau skiing while the rest of Canada frets about this country’s future. While we don’t applaud the irate local who told the prime minister to “get the f— out of B.C.,” we understand the frustration that, at a critical point in this country’s history, he’s skiing.

Fair enough, Trudeau’s entitled to his free time. And it was inappropriate for the woman to use profanity in front of his son. She’s since apologized. At least he was in Canada and not on the private island of the Aga Khan.

Still, it’s tone-deaf for him to sashay off on a ski jaunt while Parliament is in turmoil.

In a letter posted on social media last week, Conservative MP John Williamson said he’ll bring a non-confidence motion to the Public Accounts Committee on Jan. 7.

Williamson, who chairs the committee, said the motion could pass in time for a vote in the House of Commons on Jan. 27. If passed, that motion would trigger an election.

It’s unclear what New Democratic Party Leader Jagmeet Singh will do, although he earlier indicated he’d support a non-confidence motion. NDP MP Charlie Angus said he’ll vote against it.

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“I have a long and consistent record of opposing Mr. Poilievre’s tactics. I do not believe he is fit for leadership and will not support his procedural games,” Angus told the National Post.

It doesn’t matter what one MP thinks of Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre.

Calling for a non-confidence vote isn’t a “game.” It’s a time-honoured parliamentary procedure in a minority Parliament. It allows voters the opportunity to change their government in an orderly manner. It’s called democracy and Angus should read up on it.

Trudeau could pre-empt such a move by proroguing Parliament, shutting down all business. He’d likely quit and call for a Liberal leadership convention.

What’s standing between Canadians and good government now are the massive egos of politicians who should have quit fiddling long ago and called an election.