Canada's NDP

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May 16th, 2012

Statement by Megan Leslie on rejection of NDP budget bill motion

A NDP motion criticizing the budget bill for weakening environmental protection and rewriting the Canada Fisheries Act was supported by all opposition parties today but failed to pass because it was blocked by the government.

This budget bill threatens our environment for decades to come. It will cause harm to our lakes, rivers, oceans, ecosystems and fisheries.

Unfortunately, the Conservatives are trying to hide their intentions from Canadians. Instead of being transparent, they are flouting accountability principles with their massive bill and trying to impose backwards and misguided reforms that will hurt our environment.

The government is refusing to allow MPs elected by Canadians to do their work by diligently studying this legislation – ignoring parliamentary tradition and limiting debate on the bill. Their lack of ethics and transparency is an affront to Canadians and future generations who will have to carry the burden of these bad decisions.

The NDP will not let the Harper Conservatives quietly sneak through these sweeping changes without a fight. We will continue to oppose Conservative proposals that put the health of Canadians, their environment and their economy at risk.