Government’s decision to reject changes to legislature rules shows they prefer dysfunctional House of Assembly

The House of Assembly has become dysfunctional and that is the way government wants to keep it so they can continue to use their large majority to steamroll over everyone and everything in their way and ensure the lack of accountability in the House of Assembly remains, says Opposition House Leader Kelvin Parsons.

Government rejected a private members motion earlier today calling for a review of the House of Assembly’s standing orders to bring a greater level of decorum and accountability to the legislative proceedings. Proposed changes included such things as elevating the level of decorum; ensuring legislation is released in a timely manner for public input before it is debated; establishing legislative committees to review legislation; and strengthening the role and transparency of standing committees such as Public Accounts.

“Our motion was an attempt to return democracy and fair debate to the House of Assembly,” said Mr. Parsons. “The premier and the PC Party proposed similar changes in their 2003 Bluebook, but have backed away from these promises. Since that time, the situation has degenerated to a point where the House of Assembly has become a mere rubberstamp for government policy. It is very interesting that government is now attacking the Opposition for bringing forward a motion that calls for the exact reforms they proposed when taking office.

“Substantial pieces of legislation are being pushed through the House of Assembly in record time leaving no time for proper examination by MHAs or outside groups. We are given briefings on the same day that the legislation is expected to be debated and passed. We have heard from numerous stakeholders who are astonished to find that a day after legislation is presented, they cannot bring forward amendments.

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