In one of his most cynical political moves to date, the self-described member of Canada's "Political Class," Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has decided to distance himself from western and rural voters by ordering his MPs to vote against Bill C-391. In doing so, he bowed to the demands of a core group of extreme lobbyists and the far left wing of his party by whipping the vote when C-391 comes back to the House of Commons for Third Reading.

This shift in position demonstrates, once again, how "out of touch" the Leader of the Opposition is with the majority of Canadians who, in poll after poll, have supported eliminating this costly and useless holdover from previous Liberal Governments.

In an effort to justify his decision Mr. Ignatieff has proposed changes to the current process by eliminating some fees, "streamlining" the process and decriminalizing the failure to register a long gun. But in true Liberal fashion, he fails to mention that decriminalizing will only apply to the first offence, after that it's business as usual, and one can only smile at his offer to streamline any government program.

It is hardly a coincidence that this announcement was made when the Leader of the Opposition was addressing the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, a group who have been very supportive of the retention of the registry. One can only wonder how much of this support is tied to the significant financial donations to the CACP by CGI Group, the firm contracted to supply millions of dollars worth of computer equipment to the registry.

In the past Michael Ignatieff has recognized the importance of eliminating the registry by noting that the Liberal party will never make a breakthrough in the west as long as the registry exists. The message to western and rural Canadians from his most recent actions couldn't be more clear.

"Apparently Mr. Ignatieff feels that the concerns of millions of Canadians are of little importance when compared to his need to perpetuate the failed polices of the Liberal party. His action to whip the vote against C-391 demonstrates the contempt he and his party have for rural and western Canadians," stated Tony Bernardo, Executive Director of the Canadian Institute for Legislative Action. He added, "Canadians want their leaders to work for, and care about, the whole country, instead of attempting to shore up a diminishing voter base in crowded urban centres. His actions have guaranteed him Opposition status."

Canadian Shooting Sports Association Executive Director Larry Whitmore said, "It is incredible that a person that purports to be a national leader could be so out of touch with the needs of Canadians. In poll after poll Canadians have stated they want the registry to end. Why is the Liberal party so far out of step with the people?"

It is considered traditional never to whip a vote against a Private Member's Bill and to do so is an affront to Parliamentary tradition.

In the Second Reading vote of C-391, eight Liberals voted to end the registry. "We sincerely hope these MPs will do the right thing and continue to vote for their constituents. These MPs must stand tall against the bad judgment of their leader and continue to vote C-391 through Third Reading," added Bernardo. "Canadians are counting on them."

For more information contact:

Tony Bernardo: 905-571-2150 or Larry Whitmore: 519-254-7744

Troops:

Here are the MPs who voted for C-391, and their fax info.

Please contact them and strongly request (politely) that they support bill C-391, and let them know how wrong it is to whip a Private Member's Bill. (Whipping a PMB is in direct violation of long-standing parliamentary tradition, and is a slap-in-the-face to our democratic process -- it requires MPs wilfully to ignore the wishes of their constituents.)

Please note there are only eight Liberal MPs -- we can still pass this bill.