Modeling Journey

In his speech to the Vancouver Board of Trade, Michael Ignatieff is striking a blow for greater democracy for all Canadians. After four squalid years of debased partisanship, lowered expectations, and personal animosity instead of collegial cooperation, the Liberals are committing to Canadians that they are determined to turn the page on the Conservative diminution of the role of Parliament.

The Liberal Party is committed to bolstering the ability of ordinary Canadians to find out the truth about what is being done in Ottawa by the government, instead of being fed half-truths, misleading information, or, worse still, denied accurate information on the state of the country's affairs.

Ignatieff's draft speech contains this commitment to bettering our democracy:

"The Parliamentary Budget Officer has been right when the Conservatives have been wrong. A Liberal government would make his office fully independent, with the resources necessary to do his job.

Because no government should ever get between Canadians and the truth we deserve."

Given the sterling job that the Parliamentary Budget Officer has been doing, and the vicious attacks (from both major parties) on his role and office, this commitment to enhance the role and provide adequate resources is very welcome.

If the Liberals carry out this commitment, they will demonstrate yet again the difference between the cynical lip service paid to accountability in Ottawa by the current Tory government, and real steps to institute real responsibility.

Well done, Liberals!