It’s to be expected that MPs elected to the same party will not agree on every issue. Arguably, the push and pull of opinions is integral to healthy functioning of any organization, particularly a political party.
But we were surprised by how frequently MPs disagreed about the appropriate way to express opinions or voice dissent within their parties. Many MPs struggled to determine the appropriate ways to voice an opinion, particularly when it diverged from that of their party leadership.
Some MPs thought that abstention was built into Parliamentary procedure precisely to allow public dissent. Others felt justified that, when matters warranted, voting against their party in the House of Commons was entirely acceptable. But others disagreed, and felt strongly that caucus was the only appropriate place to express disagreement with a party’s position. What one MP considered appropriate dissent could be tantamount to party treason for another.
Many of the MPs described the challenge of supporting a party position that differed from their constituents’ interests. For some, abstaining from the vote was often the best way to deviate from the party line without being seen as disloyal.
One MP described how he handled a situation where a high profile economic announcement ran counter to the interests of his riding. “I was torn between the need to work for the well being of my constituents, and my personal values that led me to want to defend the position of my colleagues. I discussed my dilemma with [my party leader], who accepted that I could deviate from the party line by not taking part in the debate or the vote,” he said, adding that he left the discussion satisfied that he could balance the values of his party without working against his constituents’ interests.
While some MPs viewed abstention as appropriate, others labelled MPs who refrained from voting as cowards. One MP underscored this view. “You’re sent here to do a job. Do it. Don’t hide in the washroom when it’s time to take that stand,” he said.
Other MPs told us that occasionally voting against their own party in the House was an acceptable way to voice dissent. One MP claimed to have voted against his party often, “but I was able to explain the rationale and I was never castigated or hung out.”
However, some MPs expressed frustration with members who voted against their party. Quite a few MPs framed party discipline in terms of being a “team player.” Said one MP, “It annoyed me when people would vote against the party with no consequence. As a team player, that annoyed me. If I was only in it for myself, I’d be voting here and voting there.”