Jim Flaherty joins the NDP

While more and more members of Stephen Harper’s inner circle are being implicated in the Senate expense scandal, the abolition of the Senate continues to gain support. Most recent on the list: Finance Minister Jim Flaherty.

The NDP has long been calling for the abolition of the Senate – an outdated,
undemocratic and costly institution.

Of course, Stephen Harper persists in claiming that he wants to reform the
Senate despite seven long years of inaction:

“The government clearly indicated that it was in favour of Senate reform,
including the election of senators. I said it every time I had an opportunity.
- Stephen Harper, House of Commons, March 6, 2013

Yet today, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty expressed a very different opinion:

“The Senate has disruptive effects on our policies aimed at creating jobs and
growth. I am a supporter of the abolition of the Senate. I always have been.”
- Jim Flaherty, Press Conference, October 28, 2013

It seems that even some members of the Conservative caucus want to stand with
the NDP when it comes to abolishing the Senate.

It’s time for Stephen Harper to listen to his Finance Minister and join the
NDP’s efforts to get rid of this outdated and costly institution.

Canadians deserve better.