'An embarrassment to the country,' critic says as prorogued House leaves bills at risk of abandonment

This story deals with suicide. If you or someone you know has been the victim of sexual extortion, or is struggling with mental health, you can find resources for help at the bottom of this story.

Carl Burke is frustrated at the government's decision to prorogue Parliament as it puts several bills, including one intended to protect youths from online predators, in jeopardy.

"We're playing a game of politics here, and the game of politics we're playing is with children's lives," Burke told The Current's host Matt Galloway. 

"I'm not sure if the government realize that, or if they care." 

Burke lost his son Harry to suicide on April 24, 2023, after he became a victim of a sextortion scheme. Harry, a student in eastern P.E.I., was 17 years old.

He and his family have since worked to raise awareness and call on social media companies and governments to do more to protect young people from sexual predators.

On Monday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he would resign as prime minister once the federal Liberal Party chooses a new leader.

He also said Gov. Gen. Mary Simon granted his request to prorogue Parliament, essentially suspending it until March 24.

The government will continue to operate in the meantime. But all parliamentary activity, including existing bills, comes to a halt. That means some key pieces of legislation, like the Online Harms Act (Bill C-63) could be abandoned. 

The act (which was split into two separate bills in December) intends to better protect children from online predators. It completed its first reading and is now awaiting its second reading in the House of Commons.

Work halted by prorogation could be resumed when the legislative agenda resets in March. But there is no certainty that will happen, as opposition parties have signalled their intention to bring down the government as soon Parliament returns, prompting a federal election.

Burke instead pleaded for unity among the parties to ensure the Online Harms Act has a chance to pass the House.

"Whether you're red, green, blue — whatever colour, that doesn't matter to me, and it shouldn't matter to anybody else," he said. 

"I can't have another family go through what we're going through right now, because it will affect your life — it'll change your life forever."