Rota praises coalition agreement among opposition parties

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota
News Release

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Ottawa – Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion, New Democrat Leader Jack Layton and Bloc Québécois Leader Gilles Duceppe today announced that an agreement has been reached among the three opposition parties to support a cooperative government to address the impact of the global economic crisis on Canadians.

Nipissing-Timiskaming MP Anthony Rota says that “Since the recent federal election, it has become clear that the government headed by Stephen Harper has no plan, no competence and no will to effectively address the current economic crisis.”

He goes on to say that “In light of the critical situation facing our citizens, and the Harper government’s unwillingness and inability to address the crisis, we are ready to form a new government that will address the best interests of the people, instead of plunging Canadians into another election.”

Under Canada’s Constitution, it is the Governor General’s responsibility to inquire whether an alternative government could be formed that would have the confidence of the House of Commons.

According to Mr. Rota, “Given the significant economic challenges facing our citizens, and that the last federal election was held less than two months ago, Mr. Dion has called on the Governor General to exercise her constitutional authority and call on himself as Leader of the Official Opposition to form a new collaborative government supported by the other two opposition parties.”

“The Liberal Party is united in its effort to put the interests of Canadians first, and we will work towards the introduction of the economic plan that Canada needs,” says Mr. Rota.

“The top priority of the new Government is an economic stimulus package designed to boost the domestic economy. This will be done by accelerating existing infrastructure funding and substantial new investments, including municipal and inter-provincial projects.”

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