Jack Layton's speech to Toronto Rally for Change

I’m part of the 62% majority.

I’m hearing those words all across Canada.

On this Day of Action on Violence Against Women –

Changing Canada matters more than ever.

Canadians voted for change –

So Mr Harper –

Why are you denying Canadians the change they voted for?

Why are you refusing the rule of the majority?

Friends – I’m part of the 62% majority.

Let me ask… ARE YOU?

Folks losing their job, looking at their last pay cheque don’t know where to turn.

Families are trying to decide what bills they can afford to pay –

while Stephen Harper is desperately trying to cling to power.

Stephen Harper has slammed the doors of democracy.

By closing down Parliament, he silenced your voice and turned his back on the economy and Canadian families.

Well let me tell you –

There is a majority Coalition that’s ready to act on the economy for Canadian families.

For the families already hurting from the economic crisis –

From the 70,000 jobs lost in November –

That’s triple the expectations of economists.

66,000 right here in Ontario –

42,000 in manufacturing –

And thousands more in mills and factories and high tech companies across Canada.

But they will not get help because Stephen Harper padlocked Parliament shut.

Last week, families waited anxiously to hear what their government would do.

Business and labour leaders demanded action.

New Democrats offered constructive input and good ideas.

On election night, I committed to working collaboratively with Mr Harper

in the new minority Parliament.

In the days and weeks following that election, I laid out our effective ideas

to stimulate the economy –

In speeches, in Parliament and in private to Mr Harper.

But instead of an economic plan, Mr Harper delivered an ideological plan to sell off public buildings, kill off the opposition and roll back workers and women’s rights.

None of which would create one job or protect one pension.

Stephen Harper showed Canadians he is not serious about this economic crisis.

His failure to present a clear economic plan for Canada is irresponsible and reckless.

It’s clear Mr Harper’s number one priority is saving his own job – not yours.

And so we stand today at a crossroads in our collective 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 need it most.

We have a government more interested in its own power than its people.

Stephen Harper has broken trust with the Canadian people.

And because of that, he has lost the confidence of Parliament.

The New Democrats and the Liberal Party have chosen a path to stimulate the economy in a stable and responsible government.

We have set aside our differences

The Coalition has a fair and balanced agreement for governing.

We have a prudent, competent and effective plan to kick-start our economy, create jobs and boost consumer confidence.

Here’s what we’ll do:

First – invest in infrastructure, and expand public transit.

We need that kind of investment in Toronto.

Second – build affordable housing and retrofit homes

That’ll create jobs right here in Toronto –

We know, because we’ve seen it work.

It’ll fight homelessness and poverty

And there’s no more urgent time than when the economy is in decline.

Third – get key industries back on their feet

For the auto sector – low-interest loans and greener cars

For forestry – credit guarantees and a Made-in-Canada buying policy

For agriculture – supporting the Wheat Board.

Fourth – income support and support for families.

That means reforming EI to get rid of waiting periods

Protection for pensions and new rules for RRIFs

And improved child benefits to assist working parents.

Of course, we’re going to work closely with the Obama Administration

On climate change and a new cap-and-trade system.

And we’ll act on other issues to boost the economy –

Investing in First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities.

Fixing our immigration system.

Training more doctors and nurses.

And restoring cultural funding to grow our valuable cultural industries.

We have a plan – an effective, prudent and practical plan.

So I ask again –

Mr Harper, why are you standing in the way of majority rule?

Your government will be defeated at the first opportunity.

Stephen Harper promised that MPs would have a chance to indicate whether they have confidence in his government.

That the people’s voice would be heard.

Just one more lie from Stephen Harper.

On Thursday he shut down Parliament and silenced you –

He denied every elected representative in the House their right to vote.

Stephen Harper’s refusal to face the Parliament elected by the Canadian people is cowardly.

Canada needs stability – and that is no longer possible under Stephen Harper.

Because Stephen Harper and the Conservatives want to divide Canadians.

But we have a choice:

Division or unity.

Fear or hope.

Inaction or real steps for your family.

Let’s show Stephen Harper who Canadians really are:

In tough times, we pull together, we look out for each other.

We have hope.

This is a Coalition for change.

And you’ve chosen to be part of that change.

Stephen Harper has failed democracy –

He has failed Canada—

And he has failed you –

You are the majority.

And it’s time for the majority to be heard!