“I’m disappointed with the prime minister that he would put us in this position,” said the rookie NDP backbencher, who would’ve been part of a historic coalition government had Jean turned down Harper’s request.

“This has everything to do with the prime minister, not the governor general,” Allen said. “He appealed for prorogation when he should really be thinking about Canadians.”

Harper made the request when it became apparent Liberal and NDP members were preparing to vote against the government during a confidence bill originally scheduled for last Monday.

Following an economic update the Opposition said did nothing for souring markets and working Canadians, Liberal leader Stephane Dion, NDP leader Jack Layton and Bloc Québécois leader Gilles Duceppe signed a historic accord, signalling a coalition government that would last 18 months.

But Harper, quick to save his freshly elected government, persuaded Jean to prorogue the government until late January, when a budget bill will be presented as a confidence vote. Allen said it’s only a matter of time until the government falls.

“By delaying the vote, (Harper’s) usurped democracy from the hands of parliament,” he said.

“That will hurt Canadians.”

The coalition called for economic stimulus in its budget, particularly by slashing the time unemployed workers had to wait for employment insurance, down to zero weeks from two.

“Really what he’s done is hurt hard-working Canadians,” Allen said.

On the other hand, Allen said being present in the House of Commons, where MPs are packed during raucous debates that took place last week, was a unique experience, especially as a rookie.

“It’s absolutely amazing,” he said. “It’s a thrill for me.”

Allen said he’s heard mixed reaction since the Opposition announced the coalition, but noted that those who opposed it are usually Conservatives, while those in favour aren’t of any particular political stripe.

Also, he was quick to point out that Harper’s argument that the coalition is flawed because it’s working with the Bloc is flawed, calling the “height of hypocrisy,” as the Conservatives needed Bloc support to bring down Paul Martin’s Liberal government.

“Over the past few years, he’s been more than happy to work with the Bloc,” he said.

Allen is now back in Welland, working from his constituency office, until the House resumes sitting in January.

“This will give me an opportunity to do constituency work,” Allen said. “It’s the other part of the job.”