Opposition parties don’t want to work late

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 10 JUNE 2008

OTTAWA – All three Opposition parties have joined together to defeat a traditional government motion to extend the working hours of parliament for the final two weeks of the session, putting important legislation at risk.

“It’s clear the Opposition are not interested in the hard work necessary to address priorities that matter to my constituents and to all Canadians,” says Battlefords-Lloydminster, MP, Hon. Gerry Ritz.

The Conservative government moved to ask parliament to extend the hours of parliamentary business to 11 p.m. for the next two weeks, as is the long-standing practise of the House of Commons. It was defeated Monday evening by a vote of 139 to 114 with all Opposition members voting against.

“Canadians elect Members of Parliament to work on their behalf and they expect them to put in the time required, to show up to vote and to be prepared to attend for longer hours as necessary,” says Ritz.

Extended sitting hours were officially formalized by parliament in 1982 as a way to complete or advance business prior to summer break. On 11 previous occasions, the motion has never before been defeated.

“The Opposition has used delay tactics throughout the session and now, when time is of the essence, it’s shameful they have chosen not to provide more time to debate important issues such as agriculture, justice and the environment,” says Ritz.

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For more information call Margaux Stastny 613-759-1059