For Immediate Release
June 1, 2004

Fixed Election Dates Won’t Counter Growing Cynicism: Sterling

MPP Calls For Public Debate On Recall

Tory Opposition critic for democratic renewal, Norm Sterling, says the McGuinty government’s announcement of fixed election dates does nothing to eliminate the growing cynicism created by the Premier’s disastrous record of broken promises. The MPP says given the current government’s performance, it’s time to engage Ontarians in a full debate on the recall of politicians.

“The incredible fury and cynicism created by the Premier’s record of broken promises will not diminish one bit as a result of this minor tinkering,” Sterling said. “If this government were truly committed to meaningful democratic reform, the single most important thing they could do is keep their promises. On this count they have failed miserably and continue to betray the public trust.”

Sterling said growing public anger with the McGuinty government has convinced him that the time has come for a public debate on the merits of recall in Ontario. “This government -- which refuses to hold a promised referendum on its tax increases -- is focused on a vote four years from now while most people I’m talking to think that a one-year mandate is too long.”

The McGuinty government announced today the next provincial election will be held On Thursday, October 4, 2007 – the same date put forward in Bill 51, Sterling’s private member’s bill on fixed election dates currently before the legislature.

“Democratic renewal is about trying to re-engage people in the electoral process,” Sterling said. “But tinkering around the edges cannot not do away with the utter disdain that this Premier has brought to all politicians. People feel betrayed. A change in the structure or rules of our government is far less important than the integrity of the people who have been elected.”

Earlier this year, Sterling introduced legislation that would set the next election date on Thursday October 4, 2007 with subsequent elections following four years later. Sterling’s legislation also includes a safeguard against any government that might deliberately engineer a lost vote or confidence motion to force an early writ drop. The bills would require a double majority – of both the legislature and the opposition – before such a vote would trigger an election.

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For more information, please call Norm Sterling at: (416) 314-7900 or (613) 253-1171