The legislature v.s. the luge

The doors at Parliament Hill are closed. They've been closed as of December 30th after Prime Minister Stephen Harper prorogued government. The PM says the temporary suspension of parliament is necessary as it gives the government time to reflect on the economy and the upcoming Winter Olympics.

The Economist on the other hand sees the suspension as more personal than business for the leader of the Conservative Party. The publication calls Harper, "a competent tactician with a ruthless streak," accusing of proroguing Parliament just as his party came under fire for alleged involvement in Afghan prisoner abuse.