Statement from Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown on Political Financing Reform

The following is a statement from Leader of the Official Opposition Patrick Brown on political financing reform and the NDP’s opposition day motion:

“It was my pleasure to be joined by the Leader of the NDP and the Leader of the Green Party to discuss political financing reform. The fact that three leaders from very different political stripes joined together in solidarity illustrates the importance of this issue.

All three leaders agree: the Liberal Government is afraid of an open and transparent process to develop the rules surrounding political financing reforms. 

Premier Wynne has made it clear that political financing legislation, which will have a deep impact on our democratic process, will be drafted behind closed doors, with no consideration of the views of the opposition parties or the general public.

The Ontario PC Caucus supports the principles laid out in the NDP’s motion – no major electoral reform should be left solely in the hands of Ontario’s political parties. But, we believe the scope must be broader.

That is why we have proposed a Select Committee that included the Integrity and Conflict of Interest Commissioners. The proposals put forward by all parties could start today, and follow the exact same timeline the Premier has proposed – with a far more robust and inclusive consultation process.

We believe that a public inquiry needs to be called into the past conduct of the Liberal Government and the Ontario Liberal Party.

With that said, the NDP’s motion is a positive first step.  As the opposition parties, we cannot afford to be apathetic.

I will continue to push for a process that focuses on the best interests of the people of Ontario, not the Wynne Liberals’ political survival.”