Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has repeatedly apologized in the House of Commons for his physical encounter with opposition members of Parliament (MPs) during a heated session last evening. Physical encounters never happen in Canada’s Parliament. The rules are such that if an MP even calls another a liar they are ejected and must apologize before returning.
Time pressure infuriated MPs
Tensions were high yesterday as the ruling Liberals tried to limit debate on a highly controversial proposed law on doctor-assisted death. The Supreme Court of Canada gave the government a deadline of June 6 to pass the law. But opposition members argued it is better to create a good law than to meet the deadline. They demanded more time to give MPs a say on what is a highly emotional issue.
The fracas occurred when the opposition Conservative whip was blocked by members of the New Democratic Party on the floor of the Commons. He needed to pass before there could be a vote to give the cabinet control of the schedule.
Prime minister muscles through
The prime minister left his place, strode across the floor and through the knot of MPs. He seized the arm of the whip and guided him though the crowd. In doing so, he appeared to accidentally elbow opposition MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau who became upset, left the chamber and missed the vote. (see video)
The leader of her party Thomas Mulcair was furious and called Trudeau “pathetic.” Trudeau replied with the f-bomb.
Today, leader of the Conservative opposition, Rona Ambrose rose in the House to say that such behaviour is not tolerated in the workplace and should not be tolerated in the Commons. And she again demanded MPs be given more time to debate.
Score one for the opposition
This morning Trudeau apologized for his behaviour but would not address the time limit. By afternoon, the Liberals lifted the motion and promised to extend the sitting to give opposition members more time to examine the legislation. The opposition Conservatives who were booted out of office in October 2015 also succeeded in taking Trudeau down a notch or two. Upon taking office, Trudeau famously promised “sunny ways” and he has remained popular.
The Commons commotion dominated the news in Canada for much of the day. There are those who are highly critical of Trudeau’s behaviour, those who think he was justified and others who think the media are making too much of the issue.
Keep ’em two sword lengths apart
As an interesting aside, the Canadian House of Commons seating is arranged with two groups of seats facing across an aisle. This is in keeping with the ancient British custom of keeping the government and opposition two swords lengths apart. A good idea apparently.
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