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Backbencher Revolt |
Parliamentary Reform
Both Paul Martin and the Canadian Alliance have been pushing for parliamentary
reform. The following outlines their particular platforms:
Paul Martin's Platform
- Members of parliament (MPs) should have greater freedom when voting
on day-to-day issues of the House. This includes:
- Freedom to vote independently on most government business
- Encouraged to vote with the government on key government policies,
but to avoid punishment if they don't
- Required to vote with the party on matters that measure confidence
in the government.
- Bills should be referred to committee after first reading, instead
of just after second reading (as is the case now). This would give MPs
more freedom to change the legislation.
- Strengthening of the private members’ bills system to make it easier
for MPs to write their own legislation and have it passed in the House.
- Elect parliamentary committee chairs by secret ballot rather than
a show of hands.
- Committee review of appointments made by the Prime Minister. Currently,
the Prime Minister has the power to appoint (without review) Supreme
Court justices, senators and various committees, commissions and corporations.
- An independent ethics commissioner to review conduct by members of
parliament and cabinet ministers.
Canadian Alliance party Platform
- An elected Senate with fair distribution from among the provinces
and territories.
- All private members' bills should be subject to a vote.
- Reduction in the parliamentary committee's size.
- Reduce the government’s power to cease debate in the House of Commons
by invoking time allocations or closure.
- Allow for greater citizen participation by allowing them to submit
petitions for consideration by House committees (if the petition is
signed by two per cent of eligible voters).
Paul Martin’s Speech
on Parliamentary Reform [PDF]
Canadian Alliance Proposal on Parliamentary Reform
Progressive
Conservative Party on Democratic Reform
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