The NDP just distributed the text of a statement leader Jack Layton read in Vancouver today:
“I’d like to propose a common sense solution to the situation before Parliament today. In the spring, we kept Parliament going because the Liberals agreed to some of our good ideas. This fall, we put forward proposals but unfortunately the Liberals chose not to work with us to get things done for people.
The NDP cannot and will not express confidence in a government that won’t get things done. And we cannot condone the Liberal Party’s unethical conduct as outlined by Justice Gomery.
Nobody wants a Christmas election. I don’t want one. Canadians don’t want one, and it shouldn’t happen.
Nor has the Liberal Party earned the right to decide for itself the timing of when it should be judged. People didn’t elect an unaccountable majority, and all parties need to show compromise.I believe there’s a common sense solution. There are other choices before us than a Christmas election nobody wants and the Liberal Party believing it has the sole right to determine when its conduct is judged.
The New Democratic Party is prepared to introduce a motion on November 24 on our opposition day. We cannot express confidence in this government’s inaction on things that matter. Cannot condone its record.
In that motion, we will call for an election to be called in early January for an election in mid-February.
This avoids the Christmas election nobody wants. I believe that’s important.
It allows Parliament to pass the housekeeping laws before it and for the First Ministers’ Meeting on Aboriginal issues to occur.And it provides the needed opportunity to clean up Canadian politics so it can get back to what it should be about: Getting things done for people.
That’s what the NDP did in this Parliament and we’re proud of it. We will be asking for your vote so we can get more done for you. If our proposal is accepted, we won’t be doing that over Christmas and that’s a good thing.”
Layton then answer questions from some media attending the event.