Ready for the next Parliamentary Session

Our new Leader, Stéphane Dion, announced on Jan. 18 the new structure and roles for Liberal Caucus. I was very proud to be appointed Deputy House Leader. I will be working closely with Liberal House Leader Ralph Goodale in the coming weeks and months.

The House leaders and their deputies play an important role in the daily business of the House of Commons. We are our respective party’s main spokespeople in discussions with the Speaker and the other parties regarding House business. In the case of a minority government, these roles are even more important as we have to ensure that the country’s business is attended to, as Canadians expect it to be.

Mr. Dion also appointed me to the new Priorities and Planning Committee, which will establish priorities for the Caucus and provide a forum for the leader to receive advice and provide instructions on future endeavours. This committee will be chaired by Mr. Dion and Deputy Leader Michael Ignatieff. The Right Hon. Paul Martin and the Hon. Bill Graham will serve as special advisors to the Priorities and Planning Committee. He also created four new Caucus Committees, which will act as Cabinet committees for the Official Opposition: Social Justice, Economic Prosperity, Environmental Sustainability and Canada and the World.

It will not surprise you to hear that our leader’s goals are based on the three pillars of a prosperous economy, social justice, and a sustainable environment. These three pillars are not silos. They do not exist in isolation from each other. Rather, Canada must combine them, more effectively and more profitably than anywhere in the world.

The vision we need is that of Canada standing first, on the podium of the new industrial revolution – the sustainable economy. Canada has been a leader in each industrial revolution since the invention of the steam engine. We must not miss this new economic opportunity. Our goal is clear: a dynamic economy means a sustainable economy – built on energy efficiency, resource productivity, and conservation.

A united and invigorated Liberal team made up of critics and new committees, is ready to challenge the current government to ensure a progressive approach to issues that matter to Canadians. As our critics take aim at the misguided policies of Stephen Harper, the whole Liberal Party team will be working tirelessly preparing for the next election.

It will not be enough for us to underline the numerous mistakes and failures of this minority government. We must also offer to Canadians the most generous and ambitious vision for the country, a vision for the 21st century and an action plan to make this vision a reality. With such a dynamic combination of knowledge, experience, youthful energy and fresh ideas, we will continue to put forward an effective, responsible and robust opposition to the minority Conservative government and we will show Canadians that the Liberals are a vibrant, progressive alternative to the current government.





The Honourable Lucienne Robillard is the Liberal Member of Parliament for Westmount-Ville-Marie and the Deputy House Leader.