NDP calls for finance meeting to confront debt crisis

OTTAWA – New Democrat MPs today called for an emergency meeting of the House of Commons Finance Committee to discuss the economic crisis in the US and Europe and its potential impact on Canada.

NDP Finance Critic Peggy Nash, along with Finance Committee vice-chair Hoang Mai and committee members Wayne Marston and Alain Giguère, sent a letter to the committee clerk urging members to do their due diligence to ensure the economic security of Canadian families.

“The potential impacts of the US credit downgrade cannot be predicted with any certainty,” the MPs wrote. “It is important for the Finance Committee to meet to ensure the Government of Canada has a plan in place to assure the financial security of Canadians, especially in the face of uncertainty south of the border and around the globe.”

Nash emphasized that the proposed meeting is about instilling confidence in Canada’s economy and assuring Canadians that the government has a plan to address their concerns.

“Canadians deserve to hear from independent experts on the implications of the current crisis,” said the MP for Parkdale – High Park. “They need to know that their MPs are on the job and ready to act if necessary”.