Liberals Introduce Motions to Improve Accountability, Open Parliament to Canadians Immediately

June 10, 2013

OTTAWA– The Liberal Party will continue to raise the bar on Parliamentary openness and accountability by putting forward opposition motions to immediately deal with Parliament’s transparency issues, said Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau today.

“Canadians have indicated that they’re looking for better accountability proposals, so why should Parliament wait to get started?” said Mr. Trudeau. “Last week, the Liberal Party announced our Open Parliament plan, and this week we are calling on the House of Commons to adopt several measures to increase its transparency without delay.”

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau has put the following motions on notice: 1) a motion requiring the House of Commons Board of Internal Economy (BOIE) to begin posting Members’ travel and hospitality expenses on the Parliament of Canada website; 2) a motion requiring the BOIE to begin posting individual Members’ Expenditure Reports on the Parliament of Canada website; 3) a motion that the House of Commons call on the Auditor General to carry out performance audits of the House of Commons administration; and 4) a motion that the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs develop public guidelines to ensure proper spending in Parliament.

“In the past several weeks, Canadians faith in public office holders has been rocked by the scandals plaguing Stephen Harper and his Conservative government,” said Mr. Trudeau. “Parliament simply cannot afford to wait to implement these vital accountability measures. We hope that all parties will agree to pass them swiftly when they come before the House of Commons tomorrow.”