Close X
Saturday, October 26, 2024
ADVT 
National

Parliament returns amid partisan wrangling, rumblings about Trudeau's leadership

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 21 Oct, 2024 11:24 AM
  • Parliament returns amid partisan wrangling, rumblings about Trudeau's leadership

The House of Commons returns today from a weeklong break, but it's unlikely to be business as usual.

Members of Parliament resumed an 11th day of debate on a Conservative demand for documents about federal spending on green technology projects.

The matter of privilege has all but paralyzed House business as the Liberals try to maintain a grip on an increasingly fractious minority Parliament.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has also written a letter to House Speaker Greg Fergus, asking for an emergency debate on the RCMP allegations that agents of the Indian government were linked to cases of murder, extortion and coercion in Canada. 

Canada expelled six Indian diplomats and India in turn sent six Canadian envoys home as a result of the allegations.

In the letter, Singh says "the severity of the situation and the danger it poses to all Canadians" warrants an emergency debate so parliamentarians can discuss potential actions to protect people. 

An NDP spokesperson said if Fergus approves the request, the debate could happen as early as Monday evening, once the regularly scheduled sitting of Parliament is over. 

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to face the most serious challenge to his leadership to date.

Several media reports have detailed that a group of Liberal MPs plan to confront Trudeau at the party's Wednesday caucus meeting over sagging poll numbers and gloomy electoral prospects.

The precise strategy and breadth of the attempt to push Trudeau to resign remain unclear, though some MPs who spoke to The Canadian Press on background said the number of members involved is significant.

Trudeau could sidestep both problems by taking the controversial step of proroguing Parliament, which would end the session and set the stage for a fresh throne speech.

Some political watchers have also mused that would allow time for the Liberals to hold leadership race if Trudeau were to step down. 

The prime minister plans to soon shuffle his cabinet to replace four ministers who don't plan to run again in the next election.

A general election must be held by October next year, but it could come sooner if the Liberals lose the confidence of the House.

MORE National ARTICLES

Mountie transferred from Bella Bella, B.C., after complaints about Facebook posts

Mountie transferred from Bella Bella, B.C., after complaints about Facebook posts
The leadership of a First Nation on British Columbia's central coast says an RCMP officer has been transferred after the community called for his removal from Bella Bella over social media comments he made before joining the Mounties. A statement posted by the Heiltsuk Tribal Council on Wednesday says RCMP told the nation that the transfer process for the constable was complete and he would be leaving the community this weekend.

Mountie transferred from Bella Bella, B.C., after complaints about Facebook posts

Glider crashes near Calgary, one dead

Glider crashes near Calgary, one dead
Turner Valley RCMP in Alberta say one person is dead after a glider aircraft crashed on Wednesday afternoon, south of Calgary. Police say they received a 911 call advising that a small non-motorized glider aircraft had crashed in a field south of Highway 7 and 112 Street, west of Foothills County near Diamond Valley.

Glider crashes near Calgary, one dead

City council strips Kamloops B.C. mayor of ability to speak on behalf of the city

City council strips Kamloops B.C. mayor of ability to speak on behalf of the city
The mayor of Kamloops will no longer speak for the city, after council passed a resolution stripping him of his position as its official spokesman. The decision comes after more than a year of conflict between Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson, council, and city staff, including allegations that the mayor has poor communication skills, won't accept responsibility, ignores confidentiality protocols, and misunderstands the rules around conflict of interest.

City council strips Kamloops B.C. mayor of ability to speak on behalf of the city

BC not on most affordable cities list

BC not on most affordable cities list
British Columbia has failed to make an appearance in a new list of Canada's most affordable cities.  The Royal LePage report found Quebec City and Edmonton are the top choices for relocation due in part to their lower costs of living.

BC not on most affordable cities list

Seizure of drugs & weapons in Prince George

Seizure of drugs & weapons in Prince George
Mounties in Prince George say an investigation has led to the seizure of drugs and various weapons from two homes. They say quantities of drugs, including suspected fentanyl, were found during the search on May 14th. Mounties are calling it a "significant blow" to the illicit drug trade in Prince George.

Seizure of drugs & weapons in Prince George

2 arrested in pepper spray attack

2 arrested in pepper spray attack
New Westminster police say two people have been arrested after a student was attacked with pepper spray at a high school earlier this month. The incident happened at New Westminster Secondary School the morning of May 17th.

2 arrested in pepper spray attack