November 1, 1976 (30th Parliament, 2nd Session)

Mr. Johnston:

I hope those hon. members who are applauding will really let that sink in because I am afraid it is only on the surface as yet. We come here to debate and to legislate; that is the onus on us as representatives no matter how far we have come. Once we begin televising this institution the demand will change, however, and it will not be for better debate and certainly not for better legislation, but for better television.
As one listens to hon. members one would think it was not this country that produced the prophetic figure of Marshall McLuhan who said, and was so much misunderstood, "The medium is the message". It is the medium itself that intervenes, alters, and ultimately destroys. We must approach it with extreme caution.
I find nothing in the remarks of hon. members to suggest that we have reached the point of control over that technology where we can safely televise this institution without endangering democracy itself.