Motion Tabled to Limit PM’s Powers of Prorogation

Opposition Day Motion would require House support for suspensions longer than a week

OTTAWA – Proposals advanced in early January by Thunder Bay–Superior North MP Bruce Hyer are being put into legislative action in the House of Commons today, as New Democrats announced their introduction of a Motion to rein in the Prime Minister’s power to prorogue Parliament.   

“Unilateral power to dismiss and recall Parliament at will, resting in the hands of one person using that power for partisan gain, is a throwback to the medieval power of kings. It’s hardly a model for modern responsible government.” said Hyer. “Our democratic system depends on an active Parliament and robust opposition to hold the government to account. An elected Parliament provides Canadians a vital check and balance, one that that helps prevent the worst government excess, helps control corruption, and provides oversight. This is why modern democracies don’t permit governments to hide from the people’s elected representatives for months at a time.”

New Democrat Leader Jack Layton said “Stephen Harper became Prime Minister with the promise of a new day in Ottawa – more open, more transparent, more accountable,” said Mr. Layton. “But that new day never dawned. Instead we have more secrets, more arrogance and more disdain for the elected House of the people of Canada.We have more of the old politics; the old way of doing things in Ottawa. We need to curb his power to padlock Parliament at whim.”  

In early 2010, Hyer called for restrictions to be placed on prorogation powers when Stephen Harper suspended Parliament for the second time in only a year. “This is about accountability.” said Hyer “Whether it’s avoiding a vote of confidence or evading a House of Commons inquiry, the government must not be able to avoid accountability to
Parliament. Reining in these arbitrary powers of prorogation is a necessary step forward to ensure democratic legitimacy and accountability of government.”  

The New Democrat Opposition Day Motion reads:  

“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.”

A vote on the Motion is expected Wednesday at 5:30pm. 

For more information: Andy Blair (for Bruce Hyer) tel: 613-996-4792