New Democrat MP Gord Johns was blocked from participating in a Commons committee meeting Friday after failing to gain unanimous consent from other parties, highlighting the limited influence of the NDP following its drop to just seven seats in the April 28 election.Johns, who represents Courtenay-Alberni, B.C., called the decision “an affront to democracy” after the transport committee refused his request to speak during a hearing on British Columbia Ferry Services Inc. Blacklock's Reporter said without official party status, New Democrats now need unanimous agreement from other parties to ask questions at committee hearings.“As one of seven Vancouver Island MPs, I am seeking unanimous consent,” said Johns. “B.C. Ferries is critical to the lifeline of Vancouver Islanders. As a New Democrat, 25% — almost — of Vancouver Islanders voted New Democrat. I am hoping this committee will allow me a two-and-a-half minute question period.”.The request was denied. Conservative MP Dan Albas said, “If Mr. Johns is given time it should be at the expense of whichever party gives it. We have plenty of questions and we’re not prepared to share our time.”Bloc Québécois MP Xavier Barsalou-Duval also declined. “I already have very limited time so I would prefer not to,” he said.Liberal MP Stéphane Lauzon expressed some openness to allowing time for the NDP but did not offer any of his own. “The committee could leave some place to the NDP. I think we could add two-and-a-half minutes,” he said. Committee chair Peter Schiefke quickly clarified that committee rules prevent such adjustments without unanimous consent..“Well, Mr. Johns, unfortunately I don’t have unanimous consent of the committee,” Schiefke concluded. “So unfortunately you will not have an opportunity to ask questions.”Before leaving the meeting, Johns expressed frustration. “I think I have a lot to offer,” he said.Under the Parliament Of Canada Act, a party must hold at least 12 seats to qualify for recognized status, which comes with additional resources, research funding, and automatic committee representation. New Democrat leader Don Davies said on May 26 he hoped other parties would allow the NDP to continue contributing meaningfully to parliamentary work.“We are very anxious as New Democrats to bring the voices of the 1.2 million Canadians who voted for us to this place,” Davies said.
