According to the Oxford dictionary, a party is defined as a group with common aims, especially in politics. Where has this concept of “party politics” taken us?

While the need for a cohesive foundation for the government to build on is justifiable, have political parties come to embody the principles of the mafia in the political realm? Why else would there be a position within parties entitled the “party whip” who is charged with ensuring members represent a unified front.

The Conservative Party of Canada claims to desire more “free votes” than have previously been held. However, this seems somewhat confusing. Isn’t democracy based on freedom and equality? Aren’t these the basic rights that Canada is built upon? Then a Member of Parliament should theoretically be free to represent his or her electorate, without fear of being “whipped.” Rather than just on ethical issues, it would be right for every vote on Parliament Hill and throughout Canada to be done in freedom.

What is the opposite of a “free vote?” Despite the irony of a democratically taken “unfree vote,” this is the Canadian way. It seems one must succumb to a political party in order to have a voice in Parliament; however, this voice is kept in solitary confinement, sheltered from the public.

It is understandable that parties do not want to depict discrepancies within their party. In addition, a voice as a political party holds greater weight than an independent. But, according to the definition of a party, members are reaching for common goals. Therefore, regardless of each individual vote, generally the party would vote together anyways. A common aim is the reasons Members of Parliament are a part of a political party.

Through “free votes” the Canadian public would be more accurately represented. By supporting political parties, are we supporting “unfree” and skewed voting practices? No, because that is how our Canadian system works. Unfortunately, if you want your MP to have a say in parliament, he or she essentially must be a part of a political party. Within this party one must hope that his or her MP is battling in the trenches so that when in the war room with other parties, he or she can vote with integrity on our behalf.

Granted, politicians may be a large and unruly crowd, but they certainly are not the mafia. Is the implementation of a party whip really necessary? A party by definition does not require a party whip, and yet the parliamentary system in Canada does.