Chris Warkentin, Member of Parliament for Grande Prairie – Mackenzie, issued the following statement following an agreement by Canada’s Parliament to pass measures to support Canadians during this challenging time.
“In this unprecedented time, it is vital that Canadians have the support that they need,” Warkentin said. “Urgent action is necessary to ensure that millions of workers and small businesses can survive this crisis. Conservatives will continue championing the needs of workers and small businesses and proposing constructive solutions that will keep Canada’s economic foundation strong.”
“We must be equally vigilant about protecting Canada’s democracy. Shamefully, the Liberals have tried to use this public health crisis to give themselves the powers to raise taxes, debt and spending without parliamentary approval until January 1, 2022. But after hours of negotiation, the government has backed down.”
“Conservatives have secured the following concessions:
• We demanded that the government remove the section that would have allowed them to raise
taxes without parliamentary approval.
• We demanded that the government walk back their unlimited spending powers and that
special warrants expire on June 23, 2020 instead of September 30, 2020.
• We demanded that the government include explicit reference to putting taxpayers’ rights first.
• We demanded that the government put sunset clauses in their legislation.
• We demanded that the government be accountable to Parliament through regular reports to the House of Commons Health and Finance committees and that the Finance Committee have the right to recall Parliament if we identify any abuses.”
“Canada’s Conservatives will continue to hold the government to account during this crisis. We have a strong and united team that is focused on getting answers for Canadians and providing constructive solutions to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.”