The case for dismantling the House of Commons, or at least significantly reforming it, can be grounded in the argument that it has become an inefficient, expensive, and disconnected institution while critical social issues, such as homelessness, remain unresolved. This situation bears striking similarities to the conditions that led to the French Revolution, where out-of-touch leadership and vast inequality ultimately ignited widespread unrest.
1. Massive Public Spending vs. Social Crisis
The House of Commons and government bureaucracy consume a significant portion of public funds through high salaries, generous benefits, and administrative costs. Meanwhile, homelessness continues to rise across Canada, particularly in British Columbia. In a time of economic strain, this expenditure on political offices and processes can seem wasteful when these resources could instead be directed toward addressing urgent needs, such as:
Affordable housing construction
Mental health and addiction support services
Income support programs for those living below the poverty line
The stark contrast between political comfort and public hardship mirrors the widening gap between the French monarchy and the impoverished masses before the French Revolution.
2. The Disconnect from the People
Just as King Louis XVI and the French aristocracy were criticized for being out of touch with the daily struggles of the people, many in modern Canada feel that their elected representatives are similarly distant. Political debates in the House of Commons often seem more focused on partisan bickering and procedural concerns than on solving the problems faced by the most vulnerable citizens. For example:
Homeless encampments are being displaced without sustainable housing alternatives.
Rising costs of living, including housing, food, and utilities, are ignored in favor of political maneuvering over budget priorities.
This disconnect creates frustration and disillusionment among the public, pushing people closer to a breaking point where the existing system is no longer seen as legitimate or representative.
3. Parallels to Pre-Revolutionary France
In the 18th century, the French government was riddled with inefficiency, excessive spending, and a political elite that prioritized their own wealth over addressing widespread poverty. Today, many Canadians view their government similarly—perceived as more interested in maintaining its own operations than addressing the systemic issues of inequality, wealth disparity, and housing insecurity. Just as the French Revolution was sparked by a tipping point in which people felt they had nothing left to lose, modern social unrest in Canada could escalate if governments continue to ignore these issues. The following parallels can be drawn:
Inequality and Inaction: Just as the French aristocracy failed to act in the face of mass poverty, governments in Canada have been slow to enact meaningful solutions to the housing crisis. Programs and announcements fall short of addressing the scope of the problem.
Rising Tensions: Increasing public protests over housing, healthcare, and social justice reflect growing frustration. If these demands continue to be ignored, there is a real danger of more disruptive forms of protest.
Risk of Unrest: The French Revolution began when people felt that their voices were not being heard and their needs were not being met. In modern Canada, grassroots movements and activism are growing, and while currently non-violent, these could escalate if people continue to face homelessness, poverty, and systemic injustice while politicians seem more concerned with internal squabbles.
4. The Tipping Point: A Call for Reform or Revolution
The argument for dismantling or drastically reforming the House of Commons rests on the idea that the current political system is incapable of addressing the critical issues of our time, particularly homelessness. This could be viewed as a tipping point, much like in pre-revolutionary France, where citizens increasingly feel they have no other recourse but to demand more radical changes. Reforms such as:
Reducing political salaries and redirecting funds to social programs
Implementing housing-first policies with substantial investments in public housing
Decentralizing decision-making power to ensure that local governments can address housing needs directly
could not only address the immediate concerns but also begin to restore public faith in governance. If these changes are not made, there is a risk that the public will seek more extreme forms of protest or disruption, as history has shown.
Conclusion
Like the French Revolution, the rising inequality in Canada is creating a volatile environment where people feel abandoned by their government. The House of Commons, as it currently operates, seems to many like a symbol of that detachment. Dismantling or radically reforming this institution may be necessary if it continues to function as a costly and ineffective entity that prioritizes political theater over the urgent needs of the Canadian people. Without meaningful action, Canada risks a tipping point where the growing public discontent could lead to widespread unrest, driven by the same frustrations that once fueled revolutionary movements.
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