Coalition for Change: Statement by Jack Layton

We stand today at a crossroads in our shared history.

Canada must have strong, effective and responsible government. One that holds the confidence of Parliament.

Today, we do not.

We have a government that refuses to act when our economy, and the people whom it serves, need it more than at any time in a generation.

The government has lost the confidence of the people of Canada and therefore it has lost the confidence of this Parliament.

It falls on us to act.

The New Democrats and the Liberal Party, with the support of the Bloc Quebecois, have chosen a path to stimulate the economy in a stable and responsible government.

A government that will put the economy first. Because we must act now.

Because due to the Conservative government’s inaction in the face of the economic crisis, the government has shown that it has no confidence in our people.

That’s why the government has lost confidence in the Conservative government.

We have not made these choices lightly.

Our decision was made in full seriousness and clear knowledge of what is at stake. We will take the prudent, responsible and effective steps necessary to meet the economic and fiscal challenges we face.

This agreement on how the coalition government will work is fair and balanced.

And the action plan to stimulate the economy is prompt, prudent, competent and, most importantly, effective.

We will form a prudent, responsible government. A government that will take the necessary steps to meet the fiscal and economic challenges we are facing.

This agreement, which shows how the coalition government will work, is fair and balanced.

And the action plan to stimulate the economy includes measures that will be implemented quickly, prudently, competently and effectively.

It will make a difference for millions of Canadian families who are looking to their federal government for leadership and hope.

I would like to direct a few words directly to Prime Minister Harper.

Prime Minister, your government has lost the confidence of the House, and is going to be defeated and replaced at the first opportunity.

I urge you to accept this gracefully, and to take up the new role you will be playing in the House of Commons in the coming year.

I urge you to accept the verdict of your colleagues in Parliament, and not to create further instability and delay in these tough economic times.

Let me say a final word to my fellow New Democrats across Canada.

In the 1920s, Farmer-Labour MPs were sent to Ottawa to defend the rights and interests of some of poorest of this country.

CCF MPs picked up that mantle in the 1930s.

And then New Democrats.

For decades, New Democrats and their predecessors have helped shape the direction of this country.

Much of what Canadians are so rightly proud of – Medicare, pensions and old age security – are the result of our party working with others.

We’ve accomplished much by influencing government with sound and progressive ideas. Now we’re ready to continue that legacy inside a government cabinet.

As New Democrats. we take the responsibilities before us seriously. We will work in good faith with our partners to advance the interests of working families. The times call for nothing less.

Today, some of the dreams of those who built our great party and movement have come true.

The hard work. The ten dollar contributions that were like a thousand dollars to the people who offered them.

To them, and to all Canadians, I say, we won’t let you down.

Click here to view a copy of Mr. Layton's letter.

Click here to view a copy of Mr. Dion's letter.

Joint letter from Jack Layton, Stéphane Dion and Gilles Duceppe.

Click here to view a copy of the Accord on a Cooperative Government to Address the Present Economic Crisis.

Click here to view a copy of the Policy Accord to Address the Present Economic Crisis.