Friday, March 19, 2010

Prorogation Response - NDP

Thank you for your previous message regarding Prime Minister Harper's
decision to close down Parliament - the second time in a year. I share
the outrage and disappointment that many Canadians felt.

As promised, the New Democratic Party introduced a motion to limit a
Prime Minister's ability to run away from accountability in Parliament.
The text of our motion states: "That, in the opinion of the House, the
Prime Minister shall not advise the Governor General to prorogue any
session of any Parliament for longer than seven calendar days without a
specific resolution of this House of Commons to support such a
prorogation."

I am happy to report that our motion passed with support from members of
the other opposition parties. We are thankful for their support and view
this as a victory for democracy and transparency of government.

For your interest, you can view my speech outlining our plan to curb the
abuse of prorogation here:
http://www.ndp.ca/press/layton-proposes-limits-to-prorogation.

Again, I appreciate hearing from you. Feel free to share my email with
anyone who may be interested. Also, I invite you to visit our website at
www.ndp.ca to read the latest about the New Democrats. All the best.

Sincerely,


Jack Layton, MP (Toronto-Danforth)
Leader, Canada's New Democrats

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