VANCOUVER – New Democrat Leader Jack Layton today urged Prime Minister Harper to bring back Parliament on January 25 and, in return, offered to support the reinstatement of the government bills that had been killed by prorogation.

“Mr Harper has padlocked Parliament rather than be held to account by Canada’s elected representatives,” said Layton. “He is more worried about his poll numbers than letting Parliament do the work needed to help Canadians. Canadians can’t prorogue their credit card bills, their pension shortfalls, their search for a new job, their worries about the future.”

Nonetheless, New Democrats have been clear about their desire to make Parliament work better.

“Canadians are tired of the partisan games. We hope Mr. Harper will consider seriously our offer. People of Canada want Parliament to do its work; they want the Prime Minister to be accountable. With so many pressing issues facing the country, from the war in Afghanistan to job creation to climate change, Mr. Harper has an obligation to take up our offer and unlock the doors of Parliament.”

Layton was joined in Vancouver by House Leader Libby Davies (Vancouver East). The New Democrat Caucus planning session will be held in the Ottawa-Gatineau region next week to finalize concrete measures for Parliamentary reform, including proposals that would prevent future abuse of prorogation.