Harper should deal with democratic deficit before adding more seats

More MPs equals more MP salaries, renovations to the House of Commons, and more expenses - is it really necessary?

Ottawa was abuzz Thursday as the Harper government introduced the Fair Representation Act which, when implemented will expand the House of Commons by 30 seats. Quebec gets 3 new seats, Ontario gets 15, while B.C. and Alberta each receive an additional 6.

The Canadian Taxpayers' Federation, pegs the direct cost of the 30 new MPs at $18.2 million per year.

Their figure includes a member of parliament's salary, currently worth $157,731, plus costs for office expenses, accommodation, per diem expenses, and travel, furniture, and phones provided by the House of Commons.

The Canadian Taxpayers' Federation also notes that the pensions for MPs will mean added costs, depending on how long they serve.

While analysts and pundits debate the fairness of the seat allocations amongst the provinces, many are overlooking the fact that these 30 new MPs will have no clout.

In our parliamentary system, all power is centralized in the PMO - individual members of Parliament have very little influence.

In 2002, before he became Prime Minister, Paul Martin argued Canada's parliamentarians were hampered by a system where power is centralized and where MPs must toe the party line.

"Unfortunately, the authority of individual Members of Parliament has been allowed to erode, while power of the (PMO)...grows," he said, reported CBC News .

"It's who do you know in the PMO...We must move to address this democratic deficit."

Nothing has changed since 2002.

"The role of backbenchers is akin to trained seals; They fill the seats; they clap and nod their heads in approval," Barry Wilson, CTV Montreal Executive Producer wrote in his blog.

"We need fewer MPs. We need to make the Commons meaningful again."

Minister of state for democratic reform, Tim Uppal, said the new legislation will "address the representation gap by moving Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia closer to representation by population."

But, if more MPs doesn't lead to a more democratic parliament, then what's the point?