Tuesday, June 7, 2022 Loyal and Constructive Opposition It starts with the recognition of, and respect for, the dignity and worth of the person we are opposing Blogs Guide Magazine By Wayne Prins, Executive Director Governments in Canada utilize what’s called a Westminster-style parliamentary system. Among the many features of this system is the loyal opposition, also known as the official opposition. The principle of loyal opposition is simply that while nongoverning parties are responsible for opposing the government to hold them to account, they must remain loyal to the Crown and nation. As such, their actions and words of opposition should always ultimately serve to build up and contribute to the well-being of the nation and its citizens. My dad was a provincial politician who served several terms in the Alberta legislature years ago. I was politically engaged and proud of his service, so I would often go and watch question period and debates in the legislature. I must admit I enjoyed the political theatre—the loud voices, heckling, and pounding of desks. It was great entertainment! I don’t want to sugar-coat the past—goodness knows there were lots of serious problems then as there are now. But despite the rigorous debates and profound disagreements among politicians, my memory tells me that a better sense of decorum was maintained in years past without resorting to the petty and negative snobbery that seems to be so prevalent these days. So, what happened? Social media for one. While beneficial in many ways, it can be a cesspool of vitriol that atrophies our ability to think critically. Add two years of COVID stress and pandemic living, and everyone’s nerves are frayed and patience eroded. But more than anything else, in a world of instant gratification, ultimate convenience, and a universal obsession with ease and comfort, politicians and those they serve—us citizens—have lost the art of constructive opposition. Why? Because it’s hard. It takes lots of effort and practice. As I’ve heard someone say, it’s far easier to divide than to unite, to break down than to build, to criticize than to lead. Constructive opposition starts with the recognition of, and respect for, the dignity and worth of the person we are opposing. It also requires thoughtful reflection on our purpose, and an awareness of the potential far-reaching consequences of behaving poorly. It’s also essential that those in power reciprocate. With this, the stage is set for helpful, constructive dialogue. What’s true in politics is also true in the workplace. While the analogy isn’t perfect, in some ways a union plays the role of opposition to the employer. Just as incompetent politicians cause division and illegal protest, dysfunctional labour relations cause similar problems in our workplaces. These observations of political division and social tension inform CLAC’s approach to labour-management relations. By providing loyal and constructive opposition, unions can more effectively advance the interests of workers and build better workplace communities. You might be interested in Why We Work Safely 5 Jun 2026 Standing Your Ground, and Staying Steady on the Job 4 Jun 2026 CLAC Partners with Alberta Government to Advance Skilled Trades Training and Accelerate Certification 4 Jun 2026 Strathcona Mechanical Workers Ratify New Agreement Providing Wage, Scheduling Improvements 3 Jun 2026