MPPs need to get back to work this year - not next: NDP

2013 Liberal leadership convention means Liberals plan to keep Legislature shut for rest of year

TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2012 /CNW/ - NDP House Leader Gilles Bisson says Liberal plans to hold a leadership convention on January 25, and shut down the Legislature until then, have to change and that MPPs need the house recalled so they can get back to work.

"People want MPPs back to work - this year not next. The McGuinty Liberals can't shut down the Legislature until 2013," said Bisson. "The challenges facing families aren't waiting for next year. We have work to do now."

"Once again, the McGuinty Liberals are putting the needs of their party over the priorities of people. Instead of doing the hard work and facing the tough questions, they're locking the doors and trying to escape scrutiny for private power deals in Oakville and Mississauga. People won't be fooled," Bisson added.

Last week, Premier Dalton McGuinty announced that the Legislature had been prorogued at his request, effectively shutting the Legislature down. In the past Premiers allowed the legislature to sit while their parties began their leadership races. Bisson says Premier McGuinty should do the same thing and get MPPs back to work.

New Democrats have launched a new website and online petition to encourage Ontarians to send the Premier a message and get MPPs back to work: www.mppsbacktowork.ca

SOURCE: NDP Caucus Services

Media inquiries:  Marion Nader 416-325-2601