Mr. Speaker, the Liberals declared in their red face book that they would give a greater role to members of Parliament, more free votes and a greater amount of influence in committees. They promised to listen more carefully to citizens and to rebuild trust in our parliamentary process. That is turning out to be quite a sham.
In the last week we have seen the government introduce bills which it is intent on driving through all stages without adequate debate by either the public or members of Parliament. It is invoking closure as soon as debate begins. And the Liberals call that democracy?
When the Liberals were in opposition they howled in protest when the Mulroney Conservatives did it. Now they meekly at the pull of their strings stand up and vote in favour of closure at every stage, even in committee.
The people are not being given an opportunity to express their wishes and their representatives are muzzled. Shame. I call on Liberal members to assert their responsibilities to their constituents, to end the charade and do what is right.