THUNDER BAY, ON - January 22, 2009 – Superior North MP Bruce Hyer will join other community leaders to speak at a grass roots protest of the latest suspension of Parliament.

CAPP Rally: 1-4pm, Saturday Jan. 23, Thunder Bay Labour Centre, 929 Ft. William Road

The rally is one of over 60 events taking place in cities across the country, organized by the Thunder Bay Chapter of "Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament" (CAPP), an online Facebook group that has gained notoriety by surpassing the 200,000-member mark since prorogation was announced on December 30. Events are also planned for New York, London, and San Francisco.

"When I first spoke out against this antidemocratic move to stifle accountability in December, critics dismissed public outrage as a passing online fad, and said no-one would care in a week or two" said Hyer. "I am pleased to see that ordinary citizens, in standing up for their democracy, have proven those critics wrong. Canadians do care."

A Rideau Institute survey released yesterday smashed the stereotypes of what was previously thought of online social networkers. The survey, called Facebook & Prorogation, found that that at least 50% of the members of the anti-prorogation group were likely to be over the age of 45, 88% considered themselves somewhat or very “politically engaged”, and 96% voted in the last election. 55% said it was the first time they had joined a Facebook group with a political theme.

"On January 25, when Parliament would have normally resumed, I will be at work in Ottawa – prorogation or not." said Hyer. "Voters expect their MPs to be working for them, not taking an extended winter break."

Currently, the power to prorogue Parliament lies in the sole hands of the Prime Minister. Following Hyer’s call in early January for reform of this unilateral power, and a New Democrat caucus meeting early in the week where it was a topic of consideration, NDP Leader Jack Layton proposed changes Wednesday. “I am announcing that New Democrats will bring proposals for legislation to limit the power of prorogation so the Prime Minister cannot abuse it. The government should only prorogue Parliament on a vote in the House of Commons. This will inform the Governor General of the will of the majority, so that prorogation happens when it is needed – not simply when the Prime Minister feels like it.” said Layton.