CHRISTINE ELLIOTT, M.P.P. Whitby-Oshawa

For Immediate Release
February 14, 2008

Christine Elliott: URGES MCGUINTY LIBERALS TO KEEP
LORD’S PRAYER IN ONTARIO LEGISLATURE

Elliott says McGuinty Liberals misguided priorities don’t respect traditions

(Whitby, ON) – Progressive Conservative MPP Christine Elliott (Whitby-Oshawa) today urged Dalton McGuinty to scrap his government’s plan to do away with the Lord’s Prayer and respect the traditions of the Ontario Legislature.

“The face of Ontario is changing and it’s important that we recognize this,” said Christine Elliott. “However, it is equally as important that we respect and maintain the traditions and history of the Ontario Legislature. Part of that tradition is keeping the Lord’s Prayer.”

MPP Elliott made the comments following a letter issued yesterday by Dalton McGuinty calling for the province to ‘move beyond’ the recitation of the Lord’s Prayer in the Legislature. Ms. Elliott called on Dalton McGuinty to ensure this issue does not become yet another fiasco, such as the “Merry Christmas/Christmas tree” debate and instead should focus on the important issues facing the province.  

“While jobs disappear and Ontario’s economy suffers, Dalton McGuinty thinks it’s more important to declare a bungled holiday and talk about doing away with prayers,” said Ms. Elliott. “Before Mr. McGuinty raised this idea, I had never heard from any of my constituents about the issue. Residents of Whitby-Oshawa care more about making sure they have good paying jobs, a health care system that works and an education system that helps provide our kids with the skills and good start they need.”

Ms. Elliott said the PC Party of Ontario is prepared to work hard as part of an all-party committee to review the way the Ontario Legislature operates.

“Instead of more last minute decisions and one-off letters, Ontarians want a government that makes decisions in a constructive and productive manner,” added Ms. Elliott. “We will continue to hold the McGuinty Liberals to account on the important issues while still looking for ways to improve the way this place works.”

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For more information:

Christine Elliott
MPP Whitby-Oshawa
(905) 430-1141