ANGUS TAKES ON WATCH DOG ROLE IN NDP SHADOW CABINET

Charlie Angus is taking on new responsibilities as the federal NDP shuffles its shadow cabinet. Angus is moving from his role as Culture Critic to take on a watchdog role over Public Works, Government Services and Treasury Board. This role will give Angus responsibility for ensuring that government contracts and spending are done with the best interests of the taxpayers in mind.

Angus says he is looking forward to his new role. “This so-called ‘new’ government is beginning to look an awful lot like the old government of the Paul Martin Liberals when it pampering cabinet ministers and pals of the government on the taxpayer’s dime. My job will be to hold this government to account.”

Angus will also take on the portfolio of dealing with issues of Democratic Reform. He says his first priority will be dealing with the senate. “Your average Canadian has a right to ask why someone who flipped pancakes for Liberal fundraisers for 30 years gets elevated to the senate as a qualified reviewer of government bills It’s time we started looking at the issue of an unelected, unaccountable senate.”.

Angus leaves his role as Culture and Heritage Spokesman for the NDP. He was widely credited for helping oust former Minister Bev Oda over a series of indiscretions and lobbying scandals. “I was proud to serve as a representative for Culture in Ottawa but Jack Layton asked me to turn my attention to the issues of Treasury Board and government spending. I am looking forward to playing a positive role in the House as a watchdog for taxpayers.”

Although Angus is leaving the Heritage file he will continue to act as a spokesman on issues of digital culture and copyright for the NDP.