The MP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes wants stiffer penalties put in place for those that lie or show contempt to Parliament.
Michael Barrett, who is also the Conservative shadow minister for ethics and accountable government, recently introduced a private member’s bill.
Under it, anyone caught lying to Parliament would face at least 6 months in jail while contempt would carry a fine of up to $50,000.
As it stands now, punishment is handled through a verbal admonition.
Barrett says it’s time that their are real penalties for people who don’t recognize the authority of Canada’s Parliament.
He says it’s one step in restoring Canadians confidence.
“When they come before Parliament that Canadians expect that they’re going to be honest, they expect that they are going to show up when they’re asked and ordered to do so and that they’re going to produce the information that we require.”
Last Friday, the bill received first reading and the first hour of second reading is scheduled for late October.