NDP introduces fairer, more equitable additional seats bill

Conservatives failing Canadians, NDP moving Canada forward: Turmel

OTTAWA - Today, NDP leader Nycole Turmel touted her Party’s Canadian leadership in introducing the NDP’s Additional House of Commons Seats bill. The bill, introduced by MP Jean Rousseau (Compton—Stanstead), will see more seats in Parliament for growing provinces British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario and also seats to ensure Quebec maintains its historic and constitutionally important representation in Parliament.

“This New Democrat approach is a marked improvement on the Conservatives’ failed and divisive attempt at seat re-distribution,” says Turmel. “New Democrats are taking leadership to ensure not only that growing provinces are fairly represented but also that Canada’s unique nature is maintained.”

The Conservative seats plan has stalled recently under growing opposition from Canadians of all stripes. Stephen Harper’s plan effectively pitted region against region in a winners and losers battle. The New Democrat plan matches the government’s proposed seat increases in B.C., Alberta and Ontario, but also maintains the historically important role of Quebec in the Parliament of Canada.

“This out-of-touch Conservative government has failed to see that politics isn’t about winners and losers,” says Turmel. “It’s about bringing people together and building a better Canada. Our plan is fair to all provinces. It is equitable and balanced. That’s the leadership that New Democrats are providing to move Canada forward.”