House of Commons 'more a stage than an institution' says former PM Clark

Former Progressive Conservative prime minister Joe Clark says the House of Commons has become "more a stage than an institution," and it is impacting the "state of mind of people who come to serve there."

Former Progressive Conservative prime minister Joe Clark says the House of Commons has become "more a stage than an institution," and it is impacting the "state of mind of people who come to serve there."

"I can't help reflecting now at the current state of politics, because… the House of Commons has become much more adversarial to some degree," Clark said.

In an interview with CTV News' Chief Political Correspondent Vassy Kapelos in Ottawa, prior to attending Ed Broadbent's state funeral, Clark reflected on his time in the House and his experience working with other parties. He also spoke about how politics and the dynamics on Parliament Hill have changed in the decades since.

"The House of Commons can't avoid being a showplace, but it has to be much more than a showplace. And the focus has to be upon what gets done, rather than what is seen. We're losing that now," Clark said, echoing comments made by fellow former prime minister Jean Chretien in the fall.

"There will be a growing cynicism… There's always been some cynicism about politics, but I think it could aggravate and grow," Clark continued.

Speaking about Broadbent, Clark said that while they were leaders of different parties, the two had a shared respect for the institution of Parliament.

"Both Ed and I came into Parliament before television was there… That informed our attitude in the House towards one another, towards the public, toward Parliament," he said.