Opposition parties make most of parliamentary prorogue

You've got to hand it to Canada's opposition parties for finding creative ways to gain some publicity during the prorogue of parliament.

Instead of retreating to their ridings, each of the parties is maximizing their down time.

The NDP kicked things off on Monday with a virtual Question Period on Twitter where MPs queried cabinet ministers as they would if parliament was in session.

According to the NDP, their #QPQ hashtag trended on top of Canada's Twitter charts.

"26 question were asked by the Leader of the Official Opposition and other MPs with only one response during the 45 minute period," a press release noted.

The NDP say that they'll continue the virtual question periods until parliament is back in session in October.

[ Related: NDP tables motion to end muzzling of Canada’s scientists ]

Not to be left out — the Liberals announced on Tuesday that they're using their 'month off' to hold "constructive conversations about policy" and platform for the 2015 election.

"While Stephen Harper has decided to delay Parliament’s return by a month, Liberals are here working to build a plan for a stronger economy and a stronger middle class," Trudeau said, according to a Liberal party press release.

The Liberal leader also used an Ottawa press conference as on opportunity to showcase his party's newest acquisition, newly-nominated Toronto centre candidate Chrystia Freeland.

"I am pleased to announce that...Chrystia Freeland, and Liberal Finance Critic, Scott Brison, have agreed to serve as co-chairs of our Economic Council of Advisors, which will bring together subject matter experts and engage with Canadians from coast to coast to coast about the economic challenges they are facing," he said.

[ More Canadian Politics: Battle of the Redfords: Alberta premier slams Hollywood legend over anti-oilsands video ]

Also on Tuesday, Green Party leader Elizabeth May launched her Save Democracy From Politics 2013 Tour.

"With Stephen Harper shuttering Parliament once again, I decided to reach out directly to Canadians. The Greens have ideas about how to fix our broken democratic system, but I want to hear what Canadians across the country have to say," May said, according to her party's press release.

“Electoral reform has always been a priority of the Green Party. I think most Canadians would now agree First Past The Post has to go. But there is no consensus on how to achieve this vital reform. I don’t think it can happen unless political parties cooperate for the higher good of the country."

May's tour will see her go to Halifax, Moncton, Fredericton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, Orillia, Winnipeg, Brandon, Calgary, Dawson City, Whitehorse, Victoria, Salt Spring Island and Vancouver.

The Greens have launched an accompanying website called True Majority.

Who says that prorogation is just another month of summer vacation for our MPs?

(Photo courtesy of the Reuters)

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