Parliament AIIndependent · non-official

All sittings← 2019-02-272019-03-01 →

Thursday, February 28, 2019 · sitting No. 389

Commons holds emergency debate on alleged justice interference

The House spent the largest share of the day on an emergency debate moved by Conservative MP Candice Bergen on alleged interference in the justice system. The motion asked the House to adjourn to discuss testimony given the previous day by the former attorney general at the justice committee. Several members spoke to the significance of the testimony and the need for Parliament to address the matter immediately.

In Question Period, Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer pressed the government on whether the Prime Minister or his officials had heard references to a shareholders' meeting and an election in Quebec during discussions with the former attorney general. Liberal MP Bardish Chagger replied that the former attorney general had confirmed the decision remained hers and that the justice committee was examining the file.

The House also continued third-reading debate on Bill C-77, which updates the military justice system to protect victims of service offences. Conservative MP Larry Maguire said he would support the bill, while New Democrat MP Charlie Angus raised historical points about the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.

Decided that day

  • C-57 received royal assent
  • C-92, C-434, C-435 and C-436 introduced
  • C-77 advanced in first chamber

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 · 2019-02-28

Government (Liberal)OppositionOver the day: government 44%, opposition 56% of the words spokenGovernment businessQuestion PeriodGovernment businessEmergency Debate▲ Government side held the floor▼ Opposition held the floorOpened 10:0512:0013:0014:0015:0016:0017:0018:0019:0020:0021:00Last speech 23:05Time of day, Ottawa · the House sat 13 h 0 min · each dot is a stretch of debate, placed at the minute it began
56Bills Advance Amid Justice ScrutinyThe sitting devoted the largest blocks of time to allegations of interference in the justice system and changes to the National Defence Act, while question period produced mostly deflected answers. Several bills nevertheless moved forward, including one that received royal assent.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

Rare Disease Day Act

Conservative MP Tom Kmiec introduced Bill C-435 to establish Rare Disease Day, noting that three of his children and his wife suffer from rare diseases. Conservative MP Mark Strahl introduced Bill C-436 to establish Acromegaly Awareness Day, describing the condition's effects.

Read the exchange

Petitions

Conservative MP Chris Warkentin presented a petition with nearly 1,500 signatures calling for withdrawal of Bill C-69. Conservative MP Todd Doherty tabled petitions urging restoration of funding for the salmon enhancement program and recognition for search-and-rescue volunteers.

Read the exchange

Points of Order

Conservative MP Michelle Rempel raised a point of order concerning proceedings at the citizenship and immigration committee, alleging Liberal members left to break quorum. Liberal MP Robert Oliphant said decisions were made in consultation with the clerk and table officers.

Read the exchange

Committees of the House

Liberal MP Bill Casey presented the health committee's 22nd report on improving access to treatment for Canadians with rare diseases and disorders, requesting a government response under Standing Order 109.

Read the exchange

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
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer avoids the direct call for resignation by pivoting to committee work and attacking the opposition.The members who sit on the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights will do their job, and the Conservatives will continue playing politics instead of focusing on Canadian workers.
  2. deflected
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer sidesteps the yes-or-no question about specific words by restating general points about committees and the Prime Minister's statement.Yesterday we heard from the former attorney general . She confirmed that the Prime Minister , at all instances, confirmed that it was her decision to take.
  3. deflected
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer evades the yes-or-no question on specific words by praising committee processes and attacking Conservative economic record.It is important that witnesses be able to share their perspectives. We on this side respect that. We on this side will fight for Canadian jobs.
  4. deflected
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the direct question about words spoken and instead defends committee resources while attacking the opposition's history.The Conservatives are the party that has chosen a new leader, but it is clear that it remains the party of Stephen Harper.
  5. deflected
    JusticeAndrew Scheer (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids confirming or denying the quoted words and shifts to defending the Prime Minister's job focus and attacking the opposition.It is unfortunate that the Leader of the Opposition does not understand that.
  6. deflected
    JusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer sidesteps the call for an independent inquiry by emphasizing ongoing reviews and then attacking the NDP's record on jobs.There was a time that the NDP used to fight for jobs and workers. Obviously, those days are gone.
  7. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Charlie Angus (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer attacks the questioner for mischaracterizing testimony rather than addressing the call for the clerk to step down.when members such as that member start mis-characterizing witness testimony, it actually takes away from the debate and the level of discourse in this place.
  8. deflected
    JusticeMs. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer evades the question about pressure and firing by restating the former attorney general's statements on decision-making and job impacts.The former attorney general stated that it was appropriate to discuss job impacts. In the end, the former attorney general made the decision not to proceed.
  9. deflected
    JusticeMs. Ruth Ellen Brosseau (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids the call for a public inquiry by redirecting to existing committee and commissioner processes.we know that the members of the justice committee are doing their work.
  10. deflected
    JusticeCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer sidesteps the direct question about the Prime Minister's statement by listing unrelated confirmations and attacking the opposition.We also know that the former attorney general confirmed that the Prime Minister told her it was her decision to make.
  11. misdirected
    JusticeCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer turns to attacking Conservatives and praising Liberal record instead of addressing the specific quote from the PMO adviser.What is clear is that the Conservatives will continue their partisan ways.
  12. deflected
    JusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer evades the question on disputing testimony by pivoting to committee work and bilingual attacks on Conservatives.We know that the Conservatives continue to talk out of both sides of their mouths.
  13. deflected
    JusticeMr. Pierre Paul-Hus (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer avoids clarifying the Prime Minister's disagreement with testimony by reiterating respect for the committee process.The members of that committee are doing their job.
  14. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer ignores the demand for an apology on sexist comments and instead restates general principles while attacking Conservative tactics.We will not play the politics of division, as the Conservatives always continue to do.
  15. partly answered
    JusticeMr. Mark Strahl (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the seriousness of the misogyny allegation and promises to look into it before returning to prior talking points.I will remain focused on the issue. I can assure that member that we will look into this matter.
  16. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alexandre Boulerice (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer evades the loaded premise about partisan motives by repeating prior statements on jobs and the rule of law.The former attorney general stated that the Prime Minister told her it was her decision to make.
  17. deflected
    JusticeMr. Murray Rankin (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates selected testimony and asserts the law was followed without addressing the request to lift restrictions on testimony.Yesterday we heard the former attorney general confirm that the Prime Minister told her it was her decision to make.
  18. deflected
    JusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). loaded question.The answer explains the existing waiver but avoids addressing the call to lift all remaining privileges and confidentiality.The waiver of cabinet confidences and of solicitor-client privilege is an exceptional form of relief, and it was provided here because all Canadians needed to hear the former attorney general speak to this important issue.
  19. deflected
    JusticeMr. Michael Cooper (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). loaded question.The answer cites judicial integrity and ongoing prosecutions but does not address lifting restrictions to allow full testimony.The waiver that has been provided does not cover any information shared by the director of public prosecutions with the former attorney general.
  20. deflected
    JusticeMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Mr. Arif Virani (Liberal). loaded question.The answer justifies the existing waiver as exceptional relief without addressing the demand for a complete waiver of all privileges.Waiver is an exceptional remedy, specifically when it relates to cabinet confidences and solicitor-client privilege.
  21. deflected
    JusticeMr. Luc Berthold (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The answer praises the committee process and accuses Conservatives of interference instead of addressing when specific witnesses will testify.However, the Conservatives obviously like to interfere.
  22. deflected
    JusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). rhetorical question.The answer points to ongoing reviews by committee, ethics commissioner and courts without addressing the call for a public inquiry.We have confidence in our officers of Parliament, as all members should and all Canadians as well.
  23. deflected
    JusticeMr. Nathan Cullen (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer repeats selected testimony and asserts the law was followed without addressing the request for a public inquiry.In the end, the former attorney general made the decision not to proceed.
  24. deflected
    JusticeMr. Jacques Gourde (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The answer restates testimony and the existing waiver without addressing why further privileges were not waived after the 'no' responses.it was important for Canadians that the former attorney general be able to speak openly at the Standing Committee on Justice and Human Rights.
  25. partly answered
    JusticeMr. Michael Barrett (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer addresses the key claim about the PM's statement to the AG but otherwise focuses on committee process.She confirmed that the Prime Minister at every step told her it was her decision to take.
  26. deflected
    JusticeMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer avoids the question about believing the accuser and instead contrasts governing styles and committee respect.there is a clear difference between the way this Prime Minister and our government governs versus the approach of the previous government.
  27. deflected
    JusticeMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer ignores the call for resignation and repeats confidence in committee and judicial processes.we on this side have confidence that the justice committee will have witnesses appear.
  28. misdirected
    EmploymentMs. Tracey Ramsey (NDP) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer shifts to defending the PM's job-protection role and ignores the comparison to GM workers and pensioners.The job of any prime minister is to stand up for Canadians and Canadian workers and that is exactly what this Prime Minister did.
  29. answered
    International TradeMs. Karine Trudel (NDP) asked Chrystia Freeland (Liberal). substantive question.Answer directly addresses the steel and aluminum tariffs and ongoing diplomatic efforts.On Monday, I raised this issue directly with the vice-president of the United States, Mike Pence.
  30. partly answered
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer notes the AG's testimony that it was her decision but pivots to jobs and committee work.
  31. deflected
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer repeats prior points on testimony and privilege waiver while ending with a rhetorical challenge to the asker.Why can the member not accept that?
  32. deflected
    JusticePierre Poilievre (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.Answer avoids any commitment to the PM appearing under oath and instead praises committees and criticizes Conservatives.That is unfortunately not the case for the Conservatives.
  33. deflected
    JusticeMs. Leona Alleslev (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The response promotes Liberal policies and attacks Conservative voting record instead of addressing the resignation request.We brought forward the Canada child benefit, a tax-free benefit to help families with children who need it the most.
  34. deflected
    HousingMs. Sheri Benson (NDP) asked Mr. Adam Vaughan (Liberal). loaded question.The response details housing investments but ignores the question's demand for timing and shift away from SNC-Lavalin.I am very proud to be part of a government that has invested $5.7 billion in the national housing strategy.
  35. deflected
    JusticeMr. Alexander Nuttall (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). loaded question.The response restates events and attacks Conservative record rather than addressing the resignation demand.If the Conservatives spent half their time on Canadians rather than on partisan politics, perhaps their record would not show them having the worst growth since the Great Depression.
  36. partly answered
    EmploymentMr. Gabriel Ste-Marie (Bloc) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The response acknowledges job concerns and states focus on jobs but provides no concrete plan to save them.There were, of course, discussions about the potential loss of 9,000 jobs across the country, including a possible impact on pensions.
  37. partly answered
    HealthHunter Tootoo (Independent) asked Patty Hajdu (Liberal). substantive question.The response expresses sympathy and notes existing investments but does not commit to funding the requested centre.I will take the request from the member back to the new minister and make sure that he has an opportunity to meet with the member at his first availability.
  38. deflected
    JusticeMs. Elizabeth May (Green) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The response defends the committee process and privilege waiver but does not address the specific steps demanded.We know that the Prime Minister worked with the current Attorney General to ensure that we could waive solicitor-client privilege as well as cabinet confidence.
  39. misdirected
    JusticeMr. Scott Duvall (NDP) asked Mr. Jati Sidhu (Liberal). substantive question.The response offers an unrelated apology instead of addressing the motion to condemn the member's behaviour.I rise on a point of order to apologize, without reservation, to the member for Vancouver Granville
  40. answered
    Business of the HouseCandice Bergen (Conservative) asked Bardish Chagger (Liberal). substantive question.The response directly lists the legislative schedule and upcoming business without evasion.
  41. partly answered
    Points of OrderMichelle Rempel (Conservative) asked Mr. Robert Oliphant (Liberal). substantive question.The answer acknowledges the point of order and references following Standing Orders but defers fully to the Speaker without directly engaging the claim of operating outside committee authority.The decisions that I took were very much done in consultation with the clerk of the committee and very much done with reference to the Standing Orders, some of which were referred to by the previous speaker and some of which were not.