Erin O'Toole's fate sent a message — MPs are not instruments of a leader's will

This past week on Parliament Hill was consumed by truck horns and political intrigue. But along with all the noise and drama, we saw parliamentary history made. It should not go unrecognized.

For the first time since the Reform Act was passed into law seven years ago, a party caucus formally challenged and dismissed its party’s leader.

Decades ago — and in other parliamentary democracies — that might not have been remarkable. But Canada’s political parties have long since moved on from allowing their parliamentary caucuses to choose their leaders. Beginning with delegated conventions a century ago, parties have opted instead for open elections