OTTAWA – The NDP proved to be an effective opposition, skilled at exposing Conservative scandals and mismanagement, said Official Opposition Leader Tom Mulcair today about the spring parliamentary session.
The Session was marked by the Conservatives ramming through a reckless and unfair budget that undermines environmental protection and penalizes seniors and Canadians struggling to find work.
“While we were consulting Canadians on the budget, Conservatives were trying to sneak through sweeping changes. This government used every tool in its tool box to bypass our parliamentary institutions and avoid accountability,” said Mulcair. “But New Democrats stood up to the Conservatives and fought tirelessly against their reckless cuts to Old Age Security, the destruction of crucial environmental protection laws as well as employment insurance and health care services.”
Conservative scandals and ethical lapses were again front and centre this past session.
“Day after day, New Democrats exposed Conservative mismanagement and poor judgment – from the F-35 fiasco to cabinet minister expense abuses,” said the NDP leader. “Between these scandals and their mishandling of the budget, the whole country is now aware of their appalling tactics and lack of vision.”
New Democrat MPs will spend the summer listening to constituents and preparing to bring their concerns back to Ottawa in the fall.
“When Parliament resumes, the NDP will continue holding the government’s feet to the fire – staunchly defending the essential services families rely on. We’ll come back ready to oppose the wrongheaded ideas of this government and offer constructive and practical solutions,” concluded Mulcair. “More and more, people are condemning the Conservatives’ mean-spiritedness and one-sided choices and agreeing with the NDP’s balanced approach and sound vision.”
