News Release

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

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FEDERAL ACCOUNTABILITY ACT BECOMES LAW

December 12, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Canada’s New Government followed through on a key promise today by delivering on its top priority – passing the Federal Accountability Act – as Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, granted Royal Assent to the Act in the Senate today.

“We promised to stand up for accountability and to change the way government works,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper. “Canadians elected this government to deliver on that commitment and today the Federal Accountability Act has received Royal Assent. From this day on, accountability in government is the law and we can all be proud of that fact.”

The Federal Accountability Act was one of the Government’s top five priorities on taking office. The Act, which makes substantive changes to 45 statutes and amends over 100 others, delivers on the Government’s promise to put in place a five year lobbying ban, to eliminate corporate and union donations, and to protect whistleblowers, among other reforms. (See attached backgrounder entitled “Federal Accountability Act and Action Plan, Commitments and Actions” for more information).

“Getting this Act passed took nine long months of almost constant battle to ensure we came out of this process with an Act that has teeth,” said Treasury Board President John Baird. “The Federal Accountability Act is a significant and substantive step by Canada’s New Government to help restore Canadians’ trust in government and the democratic process.”

As promised, Canada’s New Government has also moved forward on the commitments included in the companion Federal Accountability Action Plan. (These initiatives are outlined in the attached backgrounder, “Progress on Federal Accountability Action Plan”).

Minister Baird also thanked parliamentarians and public servants for their dedication and persistence in getting this landmark piece of legislation passed into law.

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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News Release

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

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PRIME MINISTER MOVES FORWARD ON SENATE REFORM

December 13, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced that Canada’s New Government will introduce a bill in the House of Commons today to establish a national process for consulting Canadians on their preferences for Senate appointments. The bill will see voters choose their preferred Senate candidates to represent their provinces or territories.

“This bill will make the Senate more democratic and more accountable,” said Prime Minister Harper in a speech to his caucus. “For the first time, it will let the Prime Minister give Canadians a say in who represents them in the Upper House.”

The Senate Appointment Consultations Act represents another step in a comprehensive plan to make government more accountable. The Prime Minister noted that the bill was being introduced the day after the government’s Federal Accountability Act received royal assent. Canada’s New Government has also introduced legislation to limit Senators’ terms to eight years.

Details about the new bill will be released when it is introduced in the House of Commons later today.

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
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Notice

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

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Public events for December 13, 2006

December 13, 2006
Ottawa, Ontario

Public events for Prime Minister Stephen Harper for today are as follows:

9:30 a.m. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper will address his Caucus at the National Conservative Caucus meeting.

Room 237-C
Centre Block
House of Commons

*Open to media*


Note: All media should wait outside the main entrance of the National Caucus room until the National Caucus meeting begins.

Once the Prime Minister has completed his address, the remainder of the Caucus meeting will be closed to media.

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The Prime Minister’s Office - Communications
[Note: You are receiving this e-mail for information only, and because you have subscribed to our distribution list. To modify your subscription or to have your name removed from the list, go to: (http://www.pm.gc.ca/eng/subscribe.asp?login)]