“It sounds good to say a majority in the House means a majority on committees. British tradition says that. But we don't have to just go along. I want to put the government on the spot to defend ramming through a bigger majority on committees than it earned in the House. Does tradition really say 'when you win by a little, take a lot'? I want that on the record.”
What they said. What they meant.
Plain-language translations from the House of Commons.
Recent debates
8 latest topics
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
57 statements
Spring Economic Update 2026 Implementation Act
19 statements
Arab Heritage Month Act
5 statements
The Economy
15 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Government Priorities
2 statements
Housing
12 statements
The Environment
2 statements
Government Orders
Government Business No. 9—Changes to the Standing Orders
A motion to change parliamentary rules to give the Liberals a majority on committees after they gained a plurality of seats in a by-election. The Liberals argued this aligns with parliamentary tradition for the majority party to control committees. The Conservatives accused the Liberals of an undemocratic power grab and raised concerns about the Liberals recruiting MP Han Dong who endorsed Avi Lewis, a critic of Israel, in the NDP leadership race. Debate was ended by the Liberals using a closure motion.
“I don't think repeating 'democracy' lets you say voters gave you a majority. Only one in three Canadians think Parliament is doing well. You want a majority on committees even though voters didn't give you that.”
“You want to control Parliament even though voters didn't give you a majority. You think this will make people trust you more. I'm telling you it won't. You're going against what voters decided.”
“If I make you answer whether you consulted the opposition it might make you look bad.”