The Grain Growers of Canada want MPs on the House of Commons ag committee to remember their manners and forget their Black-Berrys.
The farm organization this month issued a release calling on all political parties to “set aside their differences and engage in a more constructive debate at the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food.”
In a letter to the members of the committee, the GGC said they are all are guilty of behaviour that disrupts the legislative process.
“BlackBerry use, partisan attacks and a general lack of professionalism have become the norm at committee,” GGC president Doug Robertson said in a release. “We expect our parliamentarians to engage in an intelligent, respectful debate that leads to better policy for farmers.”
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The GGC said that in one instance, the committee was adjourned because of a partisan dispute while witnesses were still at the table.
It is also concerned that some members are too distracted by their electronic devices to engage with the witnesses in a constructive manner.
“If someone is frequently busy checking their Blackberry, they are not following the discussion as closely as they should be,” said Robertson.
