News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER HARPER CHALLENGES OPPOSITION TO STOP BLOCKING CHANGE

October 27, 2006
Oakville, Ontario

In a speech to the Oakville Chamber of Commerce, Prime Minister Stephen Harper today laid out the government’s agenda and called upon the opposition to stop blocking change. “This is not what Canadians voted for and it’s not what Canadians want,” said the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister highlighted the legislation the government has brought forward in two areas of particular concern to Canadians – accountability and tackling crime.

The Federal Accountability Act, the most sweeping anti-corruption bill in Canada’s history, was the first piece of legislation tabled by the government upon taking office. With regards to tackling crime, the government has introduced measures to crack down on street racing, raise the Age of Protection, and keep dangerous offenders off the streets.

However, the Prime Minister added that the opposition parties are using the unelected Senate and committee meetings to undermine the government’s accountability and anti-crime measures.

“If the opposition disagrees with us, they should do it in the open, not in some committee meeting, not in the unelected Senate, and not by endlessly stalling a democratic vote,” concluded Prime Minister Harper. “It’s time for the opposition to be straight up with Canadians – why are you opposing accountability and tough measures against crime?”

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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