Jack Layton and the New Democrats will:

Implement a new, stronger Access to Information Act – another broken Conservative promise that resulted in less access to information, less transparency and more government secrecy.

Further improve transparency and bring into force the abandoned sections of the Accountability Act to:

• Tighten lobbying rules to finally stop the revolving door between big money lobby firms and the federal government.
• Establish the Public Appointments Commission to finally end the Liberal-Conservative practice of rewarding political friends with patronage appointments.
• Make the Parliamentary Budget Officer an independent Officer of Parliament to provide oversight and advice on the government’s spending and surpluses, help MPs do a better job for ordinary Canadians and bring greater accountability to Ottawa.

Strengthen contracting rules to end to the practice of firms giving advice to government while also lobbying it, in order to limit corporate influence over public policy.

Implement Ed Broadbent’s Ethics Package to improve Canadian democracy and make the political parties – especially leadership races – more transparent.