11 SEPTEMBER 2014

(Fredericton, NB) -- Green Party Leader David Coon says that, if elected, his party will open up government with transparency laws that require all government contracts to be available on-line.

"The province has been ruled by corporate interests making back room deals with government for far too long," Coon said. "These, largely family owned interests put profit ahead of a green economy and a better future for our children."

Coon said the Green Party would place the onus on civil servants to provide information to the public when requested. It would also overhaul the Right to Information Act so it treats the business of government as the business of its citizens.

Among other reforms, the Green Party would pursue is the establishment of proportional representation based on the recommendations of New Brunswick's Commission on Legislative Democracy.

The party would also introduce a bill designed to create a job description for MLAs that would define their roles and responsibilities as representatives of their constituents and as legislators. It would see power and money transferred from the Premier's Office to the Legislature where it would provide MLAs with resources to hold public hearings so that laws and government policy would better serve the public interest.

"The Bill would challenge the out-dated party system by putting constituent concerns front and centre," Coon said. "Imagine, once an MLA is elected he or she actually has to come home to the riding a few times every year, not just in election years, and ask the voters what they think about key policy issues, like forestry and senior care. That is real representation. It is a change that could change everything and one I know voters in New Brunswick want."

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