Government Ministers Maintain Executive Duties Despite Parliament Dissolution

With Parliament dissolved, an interesting aspect of the discourse has to do with the involvement of the representatives in their respective ministries.  Minister of the Public Service, Henry Usher, confirmed this week that the executive arm of government remains intact. He noted that this is to ensure that the country’s business continues unhindered, during the period leading up to the election. He did say, however, that ministers will not be making any major policy decisions or changes since parliament has been dissolved. 

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service:  “The parliament has been dissolved, meaning the House of Representatives and the Senate. This particular session of parliament has been dissolved by proclamation by the Governor General, but there’s still an executive arm of government. An executive arm of government continues right up to the election because the business of government continues. The work of government continues.  So there’s still a minister. The minister is still in charge of the portfolios assigned to him or her by the Prime Minister.”

Rene Villanueva Sr., Host, The Morning Show: Up until election day. 

Henry Charles Usher, Minister of Public Service: “Correct. It’s important that, you know, no big policy decisions are made during this time because we do have an election upon us. We saw the previous administration sign contracts right up to almost a week before election day. That certainly is not the situation here. So I think it’s important to recognize that, yes, there’s still an executive arm of government, but Parliament itself, the House and the Senate, has been dissolved.”

Despite ongoing legal efforts to block the election, the relevant bodies are currently proceeding as planned to hold the elections on March 12.