More than 100 people gathered on the steps of the Elijah Smith Building in Whitehorse on Saturday to protest Prime Minister Stephen Harper's prorogation of Parliament.

The demonstration in the Yukon's capital was one of 41 that took place across the country that day, collectively drawing an estimated 25,000 people nationwide.

"This idea (to protest) didn't come from the opposition or from the left or the right, it came from all of us,” Patricia Robertson, a local writer and organizer of the Whitehorse demonstration, told those assembled.

"Stephen Harper said Canadians didn't care (if Parliament is prorogued). Well, guess what, Mr. Harper? We do and we're mad.”

"Shame, shame,” some protesters responded.

"Stop the prorogation, listen to the nation,” chanted others.

Behind Robertson, who was surrounded by guest speakers who included Yukon MP Larry Bagnell, federal Green Party candidate John Streicker, Yukon NDP Leader Elizabeth Hanson and Yukon Liberal leader Arthur Mitchell, a protester held white placard emblazoned with the words: "This is what an official opposition looks like.”

Another man standing nearby turned a piece of cardboard with the words, "respect parliament” and "respect committee work ... PM or dictator?” scrawled on either side.

Following Robertson's remarks, Bagnell told the crowd that debate in the House of Commons is necessary to keep government accountable and "shutting it down is denying (citizens') rights.”

The Liberal MP interpreted Harper's reasons for shutting down Parliament as "absurd,” particularly that minority governments create economic instability.

"Markets are unsettled when democracy is shut down,” Bagnell said.

Less than two weeks after Harper successfully appealed to Governor General Michelle Jean to reset legislative proceedings in Ottawa, he told the Business News Network in an interview that minority governments hurt confidence in the marketplace.

"As soon as Parliament comes back (Mar. 3) ... the first thing that happens is a vote of confidence and there'll be votes of confidence and election speculation for every single week after that for the rest of the year. That's the kind of instability markets are actually worried about,” Harper said.

While ensuring economic stability for the country joined the notion of a political holiday so Canadians (including MPs) could enjoy the Winter Olympics in Vancouver and "recalibrat(ing)” Parliament as Harper's rationale for suspending business on the Hill, Bagnell disagreed.

Repeating what has become the Liberal bailiwick since the prorogation, Bagnell said the Conservatives want to avoid scrutiny on the issue of Afghan prisoners taken by Canadian Forces being subject to possible torture once turned over to Afghan authorities.

It was a point not lost on the Yukon Liberal leader, who picked up on the sentiment.

"I don't want to be part of a country that looks the other way when we may be a party to torture,” Mitchell declared when it was his chance to speak.

This most recent, and successful, prorogation gambit was the second occasion in little more than a year that Harper received consent to shut down Parliament.

In the wake of this prorogation, 36 pieces of legislation were wiped from the order paper and all committees, including the one investigating the abuse of Aghan detainees, were disbanded.

In December 2008, the prime minister convinced Jean to suspend legislative proceedings so the minority Conservatives could avoid a confidence vote and possible takeover by a coalition government led by the Liberals and NDP and backed by the Bloc Quebecois.

Between speeches, musicians Kevin Barr and Kim Barlow led the crowd in sing-a-longs of popular tunes with altered lyrics decrying Harper and his penchant for pulling the plug on Parliament (see sidebar).

A plate of fried "proroguies” was passed around, as well as a hat for donations to cover the $250 fee to stage the demonstration on federal property.

Streicker used his opportunity to address those standing in front of the Elijah Smith Building by reminding them that Harper's actions violated democratic tenants.

"The point of politics is to represent the people,” said Streicker.

Following Streicker's remarks, Robertson interjected to inform everyone that she "invited the Conservatives (to the rally) but we haven't heard back from them.”

Hanson spoke next and attempted to draw a parallel between the government in Ottawa and the one in the Yukon.

"This reminds me of what's going on in this country and territory ... the government isn't listening to the people,” she said.