Notley calls out PCs for playing hooky

October 20, 2011

Alberta’s NDP Opposition house leader Rachel Notley is calling for Premier Redford to again reverse course, this time to hold a full fall sitting as her government tries to skip out on weeks worth of debates.

“The PCs are playing hooky,” says Notley. “Having a full fall sitting is important to getting work done for Albertans.”

Government house leader Dave Hancock announced today the legislature will only sit for two days next week, just enough time to adjourn sitting until the fourth week of November.

The legislature will sit a mere 44 days in 2011 if the proposed schedule is followed.

Fixed election dates, getting legislative approval for reversing PC education cuts and setting the terms of reference for a public inquiry into doctor intimidation are all matters that could be debated in the four weeks the PCs are planning to chop out of the fall sitting. That’s also four fewer weeks of question period – a key accountability measure.

“Albertans have real concerns – healthcare, jobs, costs of living and privatization – that need addressing now,” Notley says. “There’s no good excuse for a shortened fall sitting.”