NDP propose restrictions on Harper’s powers

OTTAWA – New Democrat leader Jack Layton, after slamming Prime Minister Harper for his dismissal of Parliament, today set out constructive proposals for reform, including new rules for prorogation.

“Stephen Harper won the election with the promise of a new day in Ottawa – more open, more transparent, more accountable,” said Layton. “But that new day never dawned. Instead we have more secrets, more arrogance and more disdain for the elected House of the people of Canada. We have more of the old politics; the old way of doing things in Ottawa.”

“There’s a new politics; a grassroots politics driven by Canadians. Ordinary Canadians coming together to organize town halls and rallies; joining social networking groups, making their voices heard in new media. But the new politics needs new rules to make Parliament stronger.”

Over the last three days in Wakefield, Quebec, the New Democrat caucus has discussed proposals to make Parliament work, along with strategy for the coming session of Parliament.
“Today I am announcing that the New Democrats will bring proposals for legislation to limit the power of prorogation so the Prime Minister cannot abuse it. The government should only prorogue Parliament on a vote in the House of Commons. This will inform the Governor General of the will of the majority, so that prorogation happens when it is needed – not simply when the Prime Minister feels like it.

“In five days, on January 25, we will be here on the Hill, ready to do the jobs Canadians elected us to do. We will have MPs on the job, here in Ottawa, but we’ll be fanning out across the country too. Teams of our MPs will visit ridings and talk to Canadians about EI and pensions, climate change and credit card protection, all the critical issues facing our country.

“It’s time to end the old way of doing things and embrace the new.”