“Committees are not broken. In my experience, they work well and members cooperate, even under majority governments.”

“Mr. Speaker, I think it might be more of a reflection of how the member opposite handles himself in a standing committee. If the member genuinely believes that all standing committees are dysfunctional, I would invite him to attend different standing committee meetings. I have been in committees when there have been majorities, and it does change the optics; I will give him that much. However, I will also suggest to the member that there is a higher sense of co-operation, which I have witnessed first-hand. Giving a false impression does a disservice to the parliamentary process. Let us remember, we have had majority governments throughout the years here in Canada, and typically, they work relatively well. Why would we not allow that to continue?”

“Our rules say a majority government should have a majority on committees, but the Conservatives and the Bloc say no. What other idea does the member have?”

“Mr. Speaker, let us take a look at some of the comments. We have the principle of a majority government, which should also apply to the standing committees, and that is within our rules, and we have the Conservative and Bloc members saying no. A compromise, to the Bloc and the Conservatives, is to say the Liberals cannot have a majority on committees. Is there another suggestion the member would like to make?”

• Answered
  ?

  Reply to a debate question

  Relevance 100 of 100

  Of this reply, 100% addressed the question or point raised.

  See full analysis →

“We want to help Canadians, not just keep power. Traditionally, the party with the most seats gets the most seats on committees. I am asking the opposition if they are willing to work with us to pass important bills.”

“Mr. Speaker, it is not about power at all costs. It is, as the Prime Minister has indicated, about delivering for Canadians, building Canada strong for all. That is what we are advocating for. The principle and parliamentary tradition are very clear. Even our Standing Orders state that when a party has a majority of seats in the House, it has a majority of seats in our standing committees. Does the member believe that the opposition can work collaboratively with the government on trying to pass important legislation and on other matters?”