NDP MP Stoffer - 'Stop the (Omni)Bus' bill
Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2015 10:12 amNDP MP Peter Stoffer targets omnibus legislation with 'Stop the Bus' bill
[ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-mp- ... -1.2962356 ]
Peter Stoffer's private member's bill takes aim at leviathan-like bills that make scrutiny difficult
By Francella Fiallos, CBC News Posted: Feb 19, 2015 5:00 AM ET| Last Updated: Feb 19, 2015 5:00 AM ET
NDP MP Peter Stoffer will introduce legislation today to limit the government's use of omnibus bills, massive pieces of legislation that wrap up many disparate measures into one long bill.
"Omnibus bills receive very little scrutiny. It's unconscionable that it continues in a democracy," he told CBC News.
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Harper opposed Liberal omnibus bill
Even Stephen Harper criticized the Liberals' use of omnibus legislation for their budget back when he was an opposition Reform MP in 1994. He stated it was an affront to the interest of democracy and that it prevented MPs from doing their job properly.
"How can members represent their constituents on these various areas when they are forced to vote in a block on such legislation and on such concerns?"
"Dividing the bill into several components would allow members to represent views of their constituents on each of the different components of the bill," Harper said.
Stoffer believes that Harper's change of heart on the issue is a prime example of his inconsistency.
"It should tell you that Harper has had whiplash many, many times. He's like a chameleon," Stoffer said.
The Stop the Bus bill is not likely to have first reading this parliamentary session.
[ http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/ndp-mp- ... -1.2962356 ]
Peter Stoffer's private member's bill takes aim at leviathan-like bills that make scrutiny difficult
By Francella Fiallos, CBC News Posted: Feb 19, 2015 5:00 AM ET| Last Updated: Feb 19, 2015 5:00 AM ET
NDP MP Peter Stoffer will introduce legislation today to limit the government's use of omnibus bills, massive pieces of legislation that wrap up many disparate measures into one long bill.
"Omnibus bills receive very little scrutiny. It's unconscionable that it continues in a democracy," he told CBC News.
- - - SNIP - - -
Harper opposed Liberal omnibus bill
Even Stephen Harper criticized the Liberals' use of omnibus legislation for their budget back when he was an opposition Reform MP in 1994. He stated it was an affront to the interest of democracy and that it prevented MPs from doing their job properly.
"How can members represent their constituents on these various areas when they are forced to vote in a block on such legislation and on such concerns?"
"Dividing the bill into several components would allow members to represent views of their constituents on each of the different components of the bill," Harper said.
Stoffer believes that Harper's change of heart on the issue is a prime example of his inconsistency.
"It should tell you that Harper has had whiplash many, many times. He's like a chameleon," Stoffer said.
The Stop the Bus bill is not likely to have first reading this parliamentary session.