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Tuesday, February 19, 2019 · sitting No. 382

NDP motion seeks public inquiry into SNC-Lavalin prosecution

The House spent most of the day on an opposition motion moved by New Democratic Party ethics critic Charlie Angus that calls on the Prime Minister to waive solicitor-client privilege for the former attorney general regarding allegations of interference in the SNC-Lavalin prosecution and urges the government to launch a public inquiry under the Inquiries Act.

Liberal parliamentary secretary Arif Virani argued that the Ethics Commissioner investigation already under way would provide a stronger non-partisan forum while Conservative MP Peter Kent questioned whether the commissioner would receive full cooperation after delays in an earlier case. Debate continued without a vote.

From the Hansard record of the sitting. Full Hansard

No CPAC Question Period upload is on file for this day. CPAC’s channel goes back to December 2019.

Who held the floor · 2019-02-19

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 37%, opposition 63% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment business▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0511:0012:0013:0014:0015:0016:00Last speech 17:25Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 7 h 20 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
51Bills creep ahead while answers dodgeThe House spent most of its time on supply and justice debates, advancing two bills a stage while fielding largely deflected replies during Question Period. No votes were held and only minor procedural interruptions occurred.AI-rated Score out of 100; the verdict and the answer ratings behind it are a model’s reading. How the AI rates this

AI-rated The sitting score and the rating of each answer come from a language model reading Hansard. How the AI rates this

Other moments

Ban on Shark Fin Importation and Exportation Act

New Democratic MP Fin Donnelly introduced Bill S-238 to prohibit the importation and exportation of shark fins and said the measure passed the Senate late last year.

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Petitions

Conservative MP Garnett Genuis tabled a petition supporting Bill S-240 on organ harvesting now before the foreign affairs committee.

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Petitions

New Democratic MP Carol Hughes presented a petition from several northern Ontario communities concerned about bank branch closures and lack of broadband service.

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Automotive Industry

New Democratic MP Brian Masse asked the government to stop buying GM vehicles not made in Canada after the Oshawa plant closure and Industry Minister Navdeep Bains said officials would work with Unifor and GM.

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Indigenous Affairs

New Democratic MP Brigitte Sansoucy asked whether federal funds would help rebuild the arena roof that collapsed in Timiskaming First Nation and Indigenous Services Minister Seamus O'Regan said officials would examine the request immediately.

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Question Period, exchange by exchange

AI-rated Each answer’s rating (answered, partly answered, deflected, answered something else) is a model’s reading of the exchange. How the AI rates this

  1. deflected
    Prime Minister's OfficeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer praises Butts and restates his beliefs without addressing why the resignation was accepted if he did nothing wrong.That is why he decided to resign.
  2. deflected
    Prime Minister's OfficeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats institutional confidence talking points and avoids explaining the resignation amid the scandal.That is why he made the decision to step away: because the work this government is doing, and indeed the confidence that Canadians must have in their institutions and their processes, comes before all else.
  3. deflected
    Prime Minister's OfficeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to defending institutions instead of addressing the pattern of blame and committee blocking described.That is why, whether it is respecting the independence of members of parliamentary committees or making sure we are allowing for the full scope of judicial independence, we will always defend the systems and institutions that keep Canada safe and prosperous as a democracy.
  4. partly answered
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly references solicitor-client privilege risks and the request for Attorney General advice, though it does not waive it.That is why I have asked our Attorney General to give me advice on the very important matter.
  5. deflected
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses cabinet meetings and general work instead of providing the requested count of meetings between Butts and the former attorney general.Members in my office are engaged constantly with various departments and with ministers to stand up for Canadian jobs, to make sure we are moving forward in the right way, and to make sure we are standing up for the institutions and principles that underpin our democracy.
  6. deflected
    JusticeMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer states that advice was requested on privilege but does not address waiving it or allowing testimony.I have asked the Attorney General for advice on solicitor-client privilege.
  7. deflected
    JusticeMr. Guy Caron (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer expresses confidence in the Ethics Commissioner and notes committee independence without agreeing to an inquiry or waiving privilege.As the member opposite should know, members of parliamentary committees make their own decisions on what these committees study.
  8. deflected
    JusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again cites the Ethics Commissioner investigation and privilege risks without agreeing to waive privilege or hold an inquiry.The matter of solicitor-client privilege is obviously one we have to consider very carefully.
  9. deflected
    JusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Justin Trudeau (Liberal). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the demand to waive privilege by pivoting to general respect for institutions and the Ethics Commissioner.We respect the independence of the judiciary, and we will always do our work that way.
  10. partly answered
    JusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly acknowledges the request for a legal opinion on privilege but stops short of resolution.I can confirm that the Prime Minister has asked me for a legal opinion on the question of solicitor-client privilege.
  11. deflected
    JusticeLisa Raitt (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer refuses to engage with the SNC-Lavalin decision query by citing inappropriateness without explanation.it would be inappropriate for me to comment further.
  12. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the waiver request and instead discusses the principal secretary's letter and general work priorities.We will continue to work for Canadians.
  13. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alain Rayes (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids addressing the call to let the former AG speak by reiterating the resignation letter and institutional respect.We respect the independence of the justice system, and we encourage them to do their work.
  14. misdirected
    JusticeCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer evades the privilege question and attacks the prior government's record instead of addressing current demands.That is a clear contrast to the previous government, which constantly undermined the work that they did.
  15. partly answered
    JusticeCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the privilege advice request but provides no substantive update or decision.the Prime Minister has asked me for advice on the question of solicitor-client privilege.
  16. deflected
    JusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer shifts focus to committee processes and institutional respect rather than committing to answers from the former AG.I understand that a Liberal member will be putting forward a motion today at committee to have the access that members are asking for.
  17. deflected
    JusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer cites processes and refuses to address the core allegations of interference or dual standards.It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the substance of the matter any further.
  18. deflected
    JusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates known facts about resignation and defers entirely to the committee without addressing the request.The committee operates independently of the House.
  19. deflected
    JusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again points to independent processes and declines to engage on the witness request.The committee is independent, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the matter.
  20. deflected
    JusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer references ongoing independent processes and avoids any commitment on witnesses or privilege.They are independent committees.
  21. deflected
    JusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer expresses general confidence in institutions without addressing the specific yes-or-no request or cover-up claim.We are confident in the work of the Ethics Commissioner.
  22. deflected
    Government PrioritiesMs. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer pivots to unrelated government programs instead of addressing the backroom deals or transparency critique.We will continue to make investments that help Canadians succeed.
  23. deflected
    JusticeMr. Murray Rankin (NDP) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer reiterates confidence in independent bodies without agreeing or disagreeing on the specific witness request.Those are independent committees.
  24. deflected
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer invokes institutional independence and refuses to confirm or deny any RCMP contact.We will not comment on that situation.
  25. deflected
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the RCMP contact question and pivots to government priorities and the resignation letter.What I know is that it is clear that all members on all of our teams want to work hard for Canadians.
  26. deflected
    JusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer evades the yes-or-no RCMP question and instead attacks Conservative messaging on SNC-Lavalin.The Conservatives continue to talk out of both sides of their mouths.
  27. partly answered
    JusticeMr. Gérard Deltell (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly addresses the request for freedom of speech by stating a legal opinion is being prepared and further comment would be inappropriate.I am studying the issue and will give a legal opinion in due course.
  28. deflected
    Automotive IndustryMr. Brian Masse (NDP) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer discusses general auto-sector support and investments but does not address the specific procurement request.With respect to Oshawa, we have been very clear.
  29. deflected
    Automotive IndustryMs. Tracey Ramsey (NDP) asked Navdeep Bains (Liberal). substantive question.The answer highlights past investments and past job losses but avoids committing to stopping purchases of non-Canadian GM vehicles.we have always defended and supported the auto workers.
  30. answered
    JusticeMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly states there is no knowledge of RCMP contact with the requested individuals.I can say that we have no knowledge of such activity.
  31. answered
    JusticeMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer repeats the direct statement of no knowledge and calls it clear.we have no knowledge of any such activity.
  32. answered
    JusticeMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer again states there is no knowledge of RCMP contact with the listed individuals.we have no knowledge of any such activity.
  33. deflected
    JusticeMrs. Sylvie Boucher (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer points to existing processes instead of addressing the call for a public inquiry.we are confident that the two independent processes currently under way will be completed in a fair and thorough manner and will provide Canadians with the answers and information they seek.
  34. partly answered
    Indigenous AffairsMs. Brigitte Sansoucy (NDP) asked Seamus O'Regan (Liberal). substantive question.The answer commits to immediate review and assistance but stops short of guaranteeing rebuilding.my department and officials will look into the matter immediately. Wherever we can be of assistance, we will be.
  35. deflected
    JusticeMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked David Lametti (Liberal). loaded question.The answer declines further comment by citing ongoing legal review rather than addressing the request to waive privilege.It would be inappropriate for me to comment any further.
  36. deflected
    JusticeMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer restates general principles without addressing job protection for SNC-Lavalin workers.We stand up for the principles of judicial independence and the rule of law.
  37. deflected
    JusticeMr. Rhéal Fortin (Bloc) asked François-Philippe Champagne (Liberal). loaded question.The answer emphasizes compliance with rules but avoids any commitment on protecting the head office or jobs.We will always stand up for workers, we will always stand up for the rule of law in Canada, and we will always follow the ethics rules surrounding discussions.
  38. answered
    Regional Economic DevelopmentHunter Tootoo (Independent) asked Ms. Yvonne Jones (Liberal). substantive question.The answer directly affirms co-development with partners to ensure the framework delivers meaningful change.We are co-developing a policy that will lead to a strong economic and tremendous growth in the Arctic and northern regions.