Hyer rejects throne speech vision

Bruce Hyer says the Conservative throne speech lacks new vision.

The independent MP (Thunder Bay-Superior North), said the plan, outlined Wednesday in Ottawa, does nothing to address issues of importance to Canadians, including senate reform, equal funding for First Nations education or a real plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“I’m not sure what the government did during the unnecessary month-long prorogation, other than avoid questions on the Senate scandal. They promised a new direction for Canada, but it was nowhere to be found in today’s dpeech,” Hyer said in a release issued to media.

“It was also embarrassing to have it delivered in the scandalized senate chamber without any concrete action to reform it.  It’s threatening the credibility of our whole democracy.”

Hyer said the speech continued Harper’s tough-on-crime stance while ignoring ordinary Canadians and their economic woes.

“He’s consistently opposed consumer-oriented legislation like my air passenger rights bill and my bill to unlock cell phones. He’s got little credibility. Now, he is just re-announcing policies the CRTC has already mandated, such a cap on roaming fees and unbundling cable TV channels,” Hyer said.