REFORM OF THE CANADIAN HOUSE OF COMMONS

Early day motion 322, tabled 17 December 2003 by Gordon Prentice (Labour). Signed by 33 members.

That this House congratulates Paul Martin, the new Prime Minister of Canada, on his decision to make democratic reform of the House of Commons a top priority; notes that the reforms are designated to strengthen the roles of individual parliamentarians and committees with an increased number of free votes; further notes that Ministers will be required actively to seek the support of their colleagues who are to be involved early in the policy development process; contrasts this approach to the way in which key policy initiatives are brought forward at Westminster; and urges the British Prime Minister to visit his counterpart's website http://www1.pm.gc.ca/eng/dem_reform.asp for insights and inspiration.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 8, Plaid Cymru 2, Labour/Co-operative 1.