Prime Minister Paul Martin has always been a strong believer in consultation. In his campaign for the leadership of the Liberal Party, Paul Martin spoke often about the "democratic deficit" in Canada. By that he means the alienation of Canadian citizens from the federal government and the erosion of power of individual members of parliament. Martin wants to broaden public participation in government and restore public confidence in the federal government and in the politicians who should serve Canadian citizens.
Key to most of Martin's suggestions is restoring the individual member of parliament as the link between his or her constituents and government in Canada in a meaningful way.
Paul Martin has a six-point plan to reform the House of Commons to do just that.
Let MPs Use Their Judgment
Loosen party discipline so members of parliament can use their own judgment more frequently. Paul Martin suggests classifying votes in the House of Commons by their importance to the government mandate. Only votes on key matters like a government budget would require government members of parliament to toe the party line.
Give MPs More Influence on Legislation
Increase the capacity for individual members of parliament to influence legislation. Paul Martin wants government bills to go to a House of Commons committee after first reading. Currently bills go to committee after second reading and a vote, which means they have already been approved in principle. Although amendments do occur, Paul Martin feels it discourages many.
Make it Easier for MPs to Initiate Legislation
Increase the capacity for individual members of parliament to introduce legislation. It is rare for a private members bill to be passed under the current system. Paul Martin suggests that private members bills could be referred to committee after first reading, and the committees could decide which ones are voteable.
Strengthen House of Commons Committees
Overhaul House of Commons committees to give them more independence and authority. Paul Martin thinks the party caucus rather than the party leader should choose committee members and House of Commons committees should have increased budgets and research staff. Martin also suggests that the government use commons committees rather than outside commissions when it needs policy solutions on issues of the day.
Parliament Review of Government Appointments
Reform the process of government appointments. Paul Martin thinks that the responsibility for senior government appointments should remain with the government, but that many appointments should be reviewed by House of Commons committees. He wants to shed light on the appointment process for the benefit of the public, but cautions against creating a review process that becomes a partisan political circus as has been the Congressional experience in the United States.
Ethics Commissioner for House of Commons
Create an independent Ethics Commissioner who reports to Parliament. Legislation to create ethics commissioners for the House of Commons and for the Senate received Royal Assent in March 2004.
