Today’s Question Period yielded only one point of order, however there were two more that came from Statements By Members. Let’s talk about the QP point first.
POO#1 – During QP, BQ leader Yves-Francois Blanchet asked about a report from the Canadian Human Rights Commission stating that Christian based statutory holidays such as Christmas were racist. This was actually a great question to put Trudeau in the hot seat. In order not to appear anti-Christian, Trudeau would have to disagree with the report. Unfortunately, Speaker Fergus ruled the question out of order because it did not relate to government administration, after which Trudeau refused to answer the question.
Blanchet went back to his feet to remind the speaker that the Canadian Human Rights Commission does in fact relate to government administration and demands that the PM stand up and answer. This time, the speaker allowed the question.
The point was raised after QP by BQ member Alain Therrien, who read a part of the report and asked that the speaker be more circumspect in exercising his judgement. Speaker Fergus defended himself claiming there was no reference to the document in the first question.
Discussion – The speaker shouldn’t have to have documents read or tabled in the HoC to know what is and isn’t under government administration. It is obvious that the Human Rights Commission is under government responsibility. The consequence of this is, of course, that Blanchet then had to use his second question to re ask the original, therefor limiting his ability to hold the government to account. Errors in judgement like this may seem minor, but do in fact limit opposition effectiveness and is a detriment to democracy. One may not like the BQ or what they stand for, but this could happen to any opposition party.
POO#2 – now referring back to Statements By Members, Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu rose on the issue of Liberal MP van Koeverden claiming that Conservatives of being complicit with the Russians. We must take note here, that MPs cannot call another MPs loyalty to Canada into question. While the point is valid, the real concern about it was the inconsistency of the speaker. Just days ago, a Conservative member was forced to apologize IN WRITING to the speaker as well as withdraw the comment. van Koeverden was simply asked to withdraw the comment, which he did, but only after having been asked twice. In his defense, Speaker Fergus claimed a distinction between the two events. Shouts of “be consistent” could be heard off camera.
Discussion – Even though this is the first POO Report, it is certainly not the first time Speaker Fergus has been called out for biased judgements, and will likely not be the last. This is a recurring theme with this speaker as he regularly rules more favorably to Liberals. Keep an eye on this particular complaint.
POO#3 – MP Garnett Genuis rises to bring the speaker’s attention to comments made by MP Erin Mills during a statement by MP Michael Barette. Genuis would not repeat those comments, but assured the speaker he would, if the member refused to apologize and withdraw. Genuis also provided the timestamp of the comments. After consultation with the table, Speaker Fergus decided to review Hansard and get back to the house with a ruling.
Discussion – Heckled remarks have been a big issue for the house lately. Liberals especially have complained about them on numerous occasions, but as we can see, they are as guilty of the practice as anyone else, perhaps more. I will comment further once the speaker issues a ruling, but in all likelihood, he will not hear the comment on Hansard and will let it go.