Hello,
A Conservative MP who called Prime Minister Justin Trudeau a liar was kicked out of the Commons today for refusing to withdraw the insult.
Damien Kurek’s exit came on a tumultuous day with Official Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre threatening to delay the government’s agenda as the Commons prepares for a Christmas break scheduled to begin Dec. 15. MPs are expected to return to the Commons on Jan. 29.
Kurek was expelled by Deputy Speaker Chris D’Entremont, who is standing in while Speaker Greg Fergus is facing questions about his impartiality because he paid tribute on video to the former interim leader of the Ontario Liberals.
During Question Period, Kurek raised questions about Trudeau’s promises that the Senate would be independent, declaring the Prime Minister was in touch with senators over a Conservative bill, C-234, which would create a carve-out in carbon pricing for farmers.
“The Prime Minister lied and his minions continue to lie about …,” Kurek said before he was cut off by D’Entremont.
D’Entremont urged the Battle River-Crowfoot MP to retract the word, and apologize. “The Honourable Member knows full well he cannot use that word in this chamber,” the Deputy Speaker said.
After Kurek said he would not apologize, D’Entremont, who is a Conservative MP, said, “Mr. Kurek would you mind leaving us today?” as Conservatives stood and applauded.
Earlier in the day, Poilievre announced at a speech to his caucus that Conservatives would take steps to increase the workload of the Commons unless the Liberal government changes its policies on carbon pricing.
“We are going to put in thousands of amendments at committee and in the House of Commons forcing all-night, round-the-clock voting to block your $20-billion of inflationary spending and the rest of your economically destructive plans until you agree to our demand to take the tax off farmers, First Nations and families,” Poilievre said.
“You will have no rest until the tax is gone,” he said, referring to pricing on carbon. Media were allowed into the caucus meeting to hear Poilievre’s remarks, but the Conservative Leader did not take media questions on his threats.
Trudeau was dismissive of Poilievre’s remarks.
“He can make us work late. We’re happy to do it because we’re doing important things for Canadians while he’s pulling stunts,” the Prime Minister said as he arrived for Question Period.
