Ethics Series — Parliamentary Ethics: Should Canadian MPs Be More Independent?

This session will explore the growing tension between Canada’s elected Members of Parliament and the expanding power of the Prime Minister’s Office and executive branch. Many observers argue that MPs have become overly constrained by party discipline, communications control, and the centralization of decision-making in Ottawa. Others maintain that a cohesive executive is essential for responsible government.

Purpose:
To assess whether Canada’s Parliament can regain balance between executive efficiency and democratic accountability—and to identify practical reforms for a more independent and ethical legislature.

The session will examine the growing centralization of political power in the Prime Minister’s Office and its impact on the independence, accountability, and ethical responsibilities of Members of Parliament.

Key Questions:

• Has the PMO become too dominant in shaping MPs’ work and votes?
• What reforms could strengthen the independence and ethical responsibility of MPs?
• Are existing parliamentary ethics rules sufficient to promote accountability and integrity?
• How can MPs better represent constituents rather than party hierarchies?

Format:
A one-hour moderated discussion at Massey College (and livestreamed via YouTube), featuring current and former parliamentarians, political journalists, and ethics scholars.

Moderator:

• Thomas S Axworthy, Public Policy Chair, Massey college.

Panelists:

• Sabreena Delhon , CEO at the Samara Centre for Democracy and Senior Fellow at Massey College
• Dennis Mills, Former member of Parliament, author of From the Wood Chair to the Green Chair
• Arvind Krishendehol, Junior Fellow, Massey College, Doctoral Candidate in Political Science

Agenda

You can attend event in-person at Massey College, or watch it online on YouTube.

• 12:00 to 12:45 – Moderated Panel Discussion
  12:45 to 13:00 – Questions from In-Person & Online Audience

No registration required, but you will get a notification reminder if you register below.

Registration

FREE

Register here

Video Feed

Watch the video stream here