Electoral reform part of NDP accountability package
Last Updated: Wednesday, December 7, 2005 | 12:50 PM ET
CBC News
Forcing turncoats to stand for re-election is part of the NDP's accountability package, which Layton announced in Montreal on Wednesday.
"The next time Belinda Stronach decides to change leaders, she'll have to go back to a byelection to see if her voters agree," Layton said.
The NDP proposals include electoral reform that would see proportional representation added to the current system of constituency-based representation.
Jack Layton in Montreal, Wednesday.
Layton made his announcement in front of the Montreal courthouse where the Gomery inquiry held hearings into the sponsorship scandal.
"This election is an opportunity to settle the account between the citizens of Canada and the Liberal party," Layton said. "But after they've received what they deserve, what then? What can we do about the deep and systemic rot the Liberals have permitted to seep into our federal government?"
The NDP accountability proposals also include:
- Reducing the influence of lobbyists.
- Ensuring key appointments are based on merit, not on connections.
- Improving the access to information legislation.
- Better protection for whistleblowers. Accountability on leadership contests.
Sticking to his script of calling for more NDP members in order to increase his party's influence in Parliament, Layton suggested Quebec voters stop assuming the only choice is between the sovereigntist Bloc Québécois and the Liberals.
"My intention is to let Quebecers know they have a choice – the choice of a federalist alternative that won't make them sick the day they have to go and vote."
Wouldn't repeal Clarity Act
Speaking on national unity, Layton said he had reversed his opposition to the Clarity Act and no longer wants to repeal it.
In the 2004 election campaign, Layton had said the act was unhelpful in the debate over Quebec sovereignty, but on Wednesday said it is acceptable.
"It follows directly from the principles laid out by the Supreme Court and has been broadly accepted across the spectrum as a basis for proceeding," he said.
Separatist leaders such as Lucien Bouchard and other sovereignty leaders have accepted the 1998 Supreme Court opinion saying a referendum question must be clear. The court also ruled any Yes victory must be a clear majority.
