Category Archives: History of British North America

On Collective Ministerial Responsibility and Impeachment

Posted on 2017/01/04 by J.W.J. Bowden

Introduction: Ian Brodie’s Article in The Dorchester Review Ian Brodie, one of Stephen Harper’s former chiefs of staff who served him both as Leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition and as Prime Minister, contributed an interesting article to the most recent … Continue reading →

Posted in Articles and Books, Censure or Impeachment of Ministers, Confidence Convention, Constitutional Conventions, Dorchester Review, History of British North America, Individual vs Collective Ministerial Responsibility, Parliament, Parliamentary Privilege, Responsible Government, Reviews, Separation of Powers | 6 Comments

1841 or 1848: When Did Responsible Government Begin?

Posted on 2017/01/03 by J.W.J. Bowden

The latest issue of The Dorchester Review contains my first little foray into this question of when Responsible Government began;  I hope to expand this initial contribution into a larger project. For now, you can read my initial findings here. The idea came … Continue reading →

Posted in Dorchester Review, History of British North America, Individual vs Collective Ministerial Responsibility, Origins, Responsible Government | 4 Comments

The Old House of Commons Chamber (1866-1916)

Posted on 2016/12/25 by J.W.J. Bowden

  While I was browsing at the Astrolabe on Sparks Street two days ago (which, sadly, is closing down soon), I happened upon this neat photograph of the old Canadian House of Commons, taken in 1898, 18 years before the … Continue reading →

Posted in History of British North America, Parliament, Traditions and History | 4 Comments

Justin Trudeau Has A “Basic Dictatorship” Problem

Posted on 2016/11/28 by J.W.J. Bowden

  The Root Cause of Trudeau’s Basic Dictatorship Problem Justin Trudeau has a “Basic Dictatorship” Problem. Ultimately, it stems from his political Romanticism and his attempt to deny that politics is, by definition, divisive precisely because we are free to … Continue reading →

Posted in Dorchester Review, Loyal Opposition | 5 Comments

Execute Order 66: The Royal Recommendation

Posted on 2016/09/23 by J.W.J. Bowden

  I just stumbled upon something hilarious that combines my geeky interests in Star Wars and British parliamentarism. In Commonwealth Realms, the government must approve of any and all money bills and confer upon it the Royal Recommendation before parliament … Continue reading →

Posted in History of British North America, Humour | 2 Comments