NDP MPP Andrea Horwath today condemned the McGuinty Liberals for ramming through changes on how Ontario's Legislature fundamentally works.

“These decisions here were decided upon with no consultations and only serve in the best interest of the government – not Ontarians,” said Horwath.

“A government that tries to shut down the opposition by undermining question period is an arrogant government with something to hide. Why is the McGuinty government so adamant about gutting oversight and accountability?” asked Horwath in the Legislature.

At issue is a unilateral McGuinty government decision to move the daily question period four hours earlier from its present mid-afternoon time.

Horwath noted that the government’s scheme to change the legislative timetable is a direct attack on the most important accountability mechanism in the British parliamentary system.

It would also deprive the opposition of the time it needs to properly prepare for question period.

“This is a profoundly anti-democratic move that does not serve the best interests of Ontarians. Question period is the single most important element of our Parliament and the McGuinty Liberals have launched a full frontal attack on it,” said Horwath.