Close X
Thursday, November 7, 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

Arson in Green Timbers Park

Arson in Green Timbers Park
Police in Surrey are investigating multiple fires set in Green Timbers Park early yesterday.  Officers conducted foot patrols after a citizen reported a fire and they found several other blazes. 

Arson in Green Timbers Park

Surrey Police decision coming today

Surrey Police decision coming today
The decision by Solicitor General Mike Farnworth comes amid a tug of war that saw city council vote for the Mounties despite a provincial recommendation they stay with the Surrey Police Service.

Surrey Police decision coming today

B.C. port strike back on after union rejects deal, saying four-year term is too long

B.C. port strike back on after union rejects deal, saying four-year term is too long
Rob Ashton, the president of the International Longshore Workers Union Canada, says in a statement that its caucus does not believe the deal can protect jobs "now or into the future." Ashton also says the four-year agreement is "far too long" given the uncertainties in the industry and the economy overall.  

B.C. port strike back on after union rejects deal, saying four-year term is too long

BC's police watchdog investigating after man shot by police in hospital

BC's police watchdog investigating after man shot by police in hospital
B-C's police watchdog is investigating the death of a man after he was shot by police in a hospital Wednesday. Mounties say an "interaction" between the man and officers occurred at the Fraser Canyon Hospital in Hope, resulting in one officer discharging their firearm.  

BC's police watchdog investigating after man shot by police in hospital

Canadian arrested by U.K. police at on suspicion of membership in terrorism group

Canadian arrested by U.K. police at on suspicion of membership in terrorism group
British police have arrested a Canadian man on suspicion of being a member of a terrorism group. The Metropolitan Police in London, England say counterterrorism detectives arrested a 28-year-old Canadian national at Heathrow Airport shortly after noon.

Canadian arrested by U.K. police at on suspicion of membership in terrorism group

RCMP officers' group says Mounties shouldn't be 'scapegoats' in police shortage

RCMP officers' group says Mounties shouldn't be 'scapegoats' in police shortage
The staffing vacancies were a key reason the B.C. government had recommended the City of Surrey continue its transition to an independent police force, despite the newly elected mayor's promise that the city would go back to the RCMP for its policing. 

RCMP officers' group says Mounties shouldn't be 'scapegoats' in police shortage