Determined to make parliament work

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota
News Release

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Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota says that although there is plenty to criticize in the Throne Speech, he and his Liberal colleagues will do everything in their power to make Parliament work for Canadians.

“My Liberal colleagues and I have had an opportunity to review the Conservative Speech from the Throne, and assess its impact on Canadians,” says Mr. Rota, “and we have proposed amendments to find solutions to correct the shortcomings of the Conservatives’ vague agenda.”

The Official Opposition is calling on the Harper government to take greater action on climate change, announce now that the Canadian combat mission in Kandahar will end in February 2009, fight against poverty in Canada, and bring forth proposals to help build a stronger economy.

“I am deeply troubled by the fact that the Speech from the Throne contained no mention of priorities such as health care, research and development, or education,” says Mr. Rota. “Furthermore, I expected to see a commitment to our communities, cities and infrastructure, as well as regional development programs such as FedNor; these were all but ignored. In short, there is very little in Wednesday’s speech that will benefit the people of Northern Ontario.”

According to Mr. Rota, “Over the coming weeks, the Liberals will be working very hard to ensure that the gaps in the Conservative agenda are replaced by policies that have a positive and long-lasting effect on Canadians. We must remain committed to building a richer, fairer, greener Canada together.”

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