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Opposition Leader Gerry Reid says he is very disappointed that government
brought in a closure motion today ending debate on legislation in the House
of Assembly. A closure motion is a heavy-handed motion that allows
government to shut debate on a particular piece or pieces of legislation.
The Opposition was debating legislation, but because government wanted to
shut down the House of Assembly, the closure motion was introduced and
debate halted.
"The closure motion is one of the most heavy-handed attempts by
government to silence debate in the people’s House of Assembly," said
Mr. Reid. "For a government that claims to be open and accountable, this
decision is another in a long list of examples that demonstrate the exact
opposite. Bringing in the closure motion was nothing more than an attempt to
avoid criticism and answering detailed questions related to government
decisions. Instead of answering our questions and discussing our concerns,
government decided to close debate in an undemocratic manner.
"I am extremely disappointed with this government’s attempt to thwart
democracy in this province. This most recent closure motion is another
example that again demonstrates that we have one of the most secretive,
arrogant and heavy-handed governments we have ever had in Newfoundland and
Labrador."
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