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Michael Chong, M.P.

Wellington-Halton Hills

Toll Free: (866) 878 5556

Email: Chong.M@parl.gc.ca

http://www.mikechong.ca/

Spring Election, Gomery, NDP Deal

May, 2005

Fergus - Ontario: Here's my perspective about recent events in Ottawa. When Justice Gomery lifted the publication ban at the sponsorship scandal inquiry, many were shocked at the details involving government money and the Liberal Party in Quebec. At that point, it became increasingly difficult for me and my party to justify supporting a government operating under such a cloud of corruption.

Consequently, we began discussing the possibility of a spring election and started consulting the public. In response, the Liberals took two steps to cling to power. First, they bought the NDP's support for the budget with $4.6 billion, in a budget which represents the single largest increase in government expenditure in thirty years. After a decade of fiscal sacrifice by Canadians, this is an irresponsible spending spree, and one we cannot and we will not support. Second, it took away the Loyal Opposition's debating days, making it impossible for us to hold the government to account on any other vote but the budget vote. That is why we find ourselves where we are today, and why we will vote against this budget.

This government has also started to fear monger about a Conservative government by playing the "national unity" and "hidden agenda" cards. They have the gall to tell Canadians that they are the only party that can save federalism. In fact, this government, by damaging federalism with sponsorship corruption, has created the best winning conditions for separatists in Quebec in 30 years. This is not a "national unity" crisis, but a crisis in the Liberal Party. To think that these are one and the same thing illustrates how the Liberals have confused their own interests with the nation's interest. And the only "hidden agenda" we have, is one they wouldn’t understand: to bring honesty, integrity and accountability back to your federal government.

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