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Government Orders

The House debated Government Motion No. 9, which would change the composition of standing and joint committees to give the government a majority of seats, reflecting the seats each party holds in the House. Liberal members said a majority government should also hold a majority on committees, as Parliament’s procedures provide, and that opposition members keep their seats. Conservatives said the government secured its majority by persuading members of other parties to cross the floor, going against voters’ wishes, and accused it of using its new committee control to block document requests and avoid scrutiny. A Bloc member questioned the effect on public trust in institutions, and a Green member said Parliament tends to reduce the powers of smaller parties regardless of which party governs. Some time also went to a member describing a fatal stabbing in his riding, and to remarks and questions about Canadian unity and historical anniversaries, which another member raised as a point of order about staying on topic.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .

Official text

1 statement

Leah Gazan

NDP
“The NDP wants voters, not politicians, to decide if a member can switch parties. The Liberals have passed several laws that violate our Constitution and charter rights. Now that they have a majority, they will pass even more unconstitutional laws. I want to know how the member feels about that.”
Official Hansard

Mr. Speaker, I am quite concerned. The NDP has a strict rule. We actually tried to pass a bill to not allow floor crossings but to leave that up to the electorate. The current Liberal government has passed several bills that are in violation of our Constitution and charter rights: Bill C-9, Bill C-5 and Bill C-12. Now, we are going to have a situation where the majority Liberals pass bills that are completely unconstitutional. I am wondering how the hon. member feels about that.

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