REPORT FROM PARLIAMENT

As you watch this spring session of parliament, I’m sure you’ve heard the much-used word “accountability” tossed freely around Parliament. Accountability encompasses many different areas, and like everyone else, politicians have to play by the rules.

In 2005 Canadians were angered by the lack of accountability shown by the Liberal Government of the time. We were shocked at the sponsorship scandal, where millions of Canadians’ tax dollars were funnelled into the pockets of Liberal party friends and supporters.

As a Party, the Conservatives responded by pledging to clean up government in Ottawa. After our election in 2006, with the introduction of our first piece of legislation, the Accountability Act, we began the process of making Canadian politics more transparent and open.

To make government more accountable we started in obvious areas. We changed the way lobbying happens in government. Now, lobbyists must now register on the public record explaining what they do and who they represent; they must also keep detailed information about what meetings they have with members of the government. Additionally, we ensured that senior government officials have to wait five years before they may become a lobbyist. People with access to confidential government information should not be able to use it for private or corporate gain – it just isn’t right.

We limited individual political contributions to $1,100 per year. Limiting political contributions made by businesses or wealthy individuals ensured that money did not result in greater influence in Ottawa. But more needs to be done; loopholes remain in this system.

Political loans are not covered by the restrictions on political donations and can exceed the established limit. They can also come from corporations and unions. This means that influence can still be bought. That’s not right.

That is why our Conservative government recently introduced new legislation to close the loopholes surrounding political loans. This new legislation includes ensuring that political loans can be considered under the same microscope as political donations. Now, loans will be limited to $1,100 and they can’t be made by unions or big corporations. It means that political candidates cannot fill their coffers with big corporate loans which would give them an unfair advantage over other candidates.

In addition, we are bringing Senators and MPs under the umbrella of the same Ethics Officer. That means that everyone in government, both elected and appointed, will be held to the same rules and standards of ethics.

I am proud to be part of a Party who believes that every Canadian, rich or poor, is equal; that having money should not automatically entitle you to political influence; and that by making the system more accountable Canadians can have confidence that their elected officials are acting on their behalf, not acting for themselves or for the highest bidder.

Hon. Gerry Ritz is the Member of Parliament for Battlefords-Lloydminster www.gerryritzmp.ca