Close X
Friday, November 8, 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

Wildfire above Highway 99 in West Vancouver now 'held' after route closed Monday

Wildfire above Highway 99 in West Vancouver now 'held' after route closed Monday
An aerial attack by the wildfire service and efforts on the ground by West Vancouver Fire and Rescue helped confine the blaze to about one hectare. It is now officially termed as "being held," with further spread is unlikely.

Wildfire above Highway 99 in West Vancouver now 'held' after route closed Monday

Man hurt in home invasion dies: Prince George RCMP

Man hurt in home invasion dies: Prince George RCMP
R-C-M-P in Prince George said the man suffered life-threatening injuries during the home invasion on June 19th and a woman who was with him was also severely hurt but is expected to survive.

Man hurt in home invasion dies: Prince George RCMP

Canada celebrates Multiculturalism Day

Canada celebrates Multiculturalism Day
“As we celebrate Canadian Multiculturalism Day, we celebrate Canadians of all backgrounds, and we recommit to fostering an inclusive and welcoming society, where everyone has equal opportunity. Let’s stand together, united in our commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and equity for all.”

Canada celebrates Multiculturalism Day

Largest grocers making more on food sales: competition watchdog

Largest grocers making more on food sales: competition watchdog
Most Canadians buy groceries in stores owned by a handful of grocery giants, with Canada’s three largest grocers — Loblaws, Sobeys, and Metro — collectively reporting more than $100 billion in sales and $3.6 billion in profits last year, the study found.   

Largest grocers making more on food sales: competition watchdog

Provinces with existing dental coverage got smaller share of federal kids' benefit

Provinces with existing dental coverage got smaller share of federal kids' benefit
Prince Edward Island, Nunavut, Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Yukon all cover at least basic dental care for children — and received less funding than the national average. The only other provinces to fall below the national average were British Columbia and New Brunswick.

Provinces with existing dental coverage got smaller share of federal kids' benefit

Infrastructure at centre of Western Canada premiers' meeting in Whistler, B.C.

Infrastructure at centre of Western Canada premiers' meeting in Whistler, B.C.
Host Premier David Eby says he and his counterparts from western provinces and territories agree on calling on the federal government to boost infrastructure funding, given the increased stresses on transportation grids across Western Canada.

Infrastructure at centre of Western Canada premiers' meeting in Whistler, B.C.