CANADIANS deserve an open, transparent government that will focus on their real priorities – economic growth that works for everyone, said Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau in Montreal on Tuesday.

“As the Mike Duffy trial resumes [Wednesday] – and after a decade of Stephen Harper – Canadians’ faith in government has never been lower. After promising reform, the Conservatives have delivered the most centralized, self-serving government in Canadian history,” said Trudeau. “Only Liberals have a plan for real change that will restore trust in our democracy, and ensure an open and transparent government.”

A Liberal government will bring real change to the Senate. While Prime Minister Stephen Harper and NDP Leader Tom Mulcair have cynically proposed solutions they know are unworkable, Liberals have a credible plan that ends partisanship and patronage in the Senate and that creates a merit-based appointment process, he said. His plan will give Canadians a voice in Ottawa by ensuring more free votes and giving greater independence to parliamentary committees. Liberals will also make government information open by default to all Canadians, eliminate the fees associated with Access to Information requests, above the initial $5 filing fee, and ensure that the veil of secrecy over the Prime Minister’s Office is lifted.

“It’s clear that Canadians not only want a different government, but a better government – one that is focused on their priorities,” said Trudeau. “I look forward to continuing to engage with Canadians throughout the campaign on how our plan for change will help families make ends meet, put more money in the pockets of the middle class, and bring better government to Ottawa.”