NDP grounds Commons committees over lack of hearings on Fair Elections Act

OTTAWA—Parliamentary committees won’t be escaping the Ottawa winter any time soon.

In response to the government’s refusal to hold cross country hearings on the Fair Elections Act, the New Democrats denied consent to approve the travel budget for House of Commons committees.

“It’s the first time in Canadian history, it’s unprecedented that a government would use its majority to shut down debate on fundamental changes to Canada’s election law,” said NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair Wednesday.

“We’re not going to allow any other travel by any committee on any subject until they agree and they accept to listen to Canadians on the changes to the electoral act.”

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/02/12/ndp_grounds_commons_committees_over_lack_of_hearings_on_fair_elections_act.html