After yesterday’s events, and the statements and hugs on the floor of the Commons earlier this morning, things were settling back into their routine on the Hill. All of the leaders were present for QP, and most of the benches full, partisan members’ statements were eschewed in favour of tributes to soldiers and police, and of course, the Sergeant-At-Arms. Thomas Mulcair led things off by asking for an update about the events yesterday and about security measures for the public at large. Harper said that he was briefed and they are looking at options to increase the powers to surveil and to detain terror suspects. Mulcair asked for a public information session on the event to clarify any questions, to which Harper said that he understood that police would hold some kind of briefing later in the day. Mulcair asked about any measures being taken for those specific cases for those who have had their passports revoked, but Harper insisted that it was not confirmed that yesterday’s shooter had his passport revoked, and that there were those out there who wish to do Canadians harm. Mulcair asked for reassurance that Parliament would remain open to the public — not that it’s his decision. Harper noted that there have been incidents in the past but they wanted to remain in the same principle as before. For his final question, Mulcair wanted it noted that even if people disagree on how safety measures are achieved that they hold the same goals — not actually asking a question. Harper took the opportunity to opine on Canada’s record of unbroken democratic governance. Justin Trudeau was up next, and and brought up Paulson’s statement about the 90 individual on watch lists, and if he could update them on how many there are now. Harper said that he didn’t think the number had changed radically and that it was more of a question for security agencies. Trudeau asked about the passport revocation issue, and asked what actions were being made to arrest those trying to leave the country to commit terror. Harper noted that active investigations were underway, and that they remained concerned about the threat. Trudeau asked again in English, and got much the same response.

Round two, and Nycole Turmel asked about measures to ensure the safety of public servants (Clement: We ensured that public servants were updated as to the threat in order to keep safe), Rosane Doré Lefebvre asked for public safety reassurances (Blaney: Look at our anti-terror laws), striking the right balance between security and rights (Blaney: Our measures will respect the rule of law), Randall Garrison asked about military bases being targets (Nicholson: We are taking steps to remain vigilant), more about the balance of rights and security (Blaney: We want to ensure there is a good legislative framework), Sadia Groguhé and Libby Davies asked about the spread of Ebola (Adams: We are at the forefront of assisting and here’s what we are donating; Paradis: We are working with partners on the ground and they got new direct contribution agreements that await signature), and Davies and Dany Morin asked about a different viral outbreak in the Caribbean (Adams: PHAC is actively monitoring the situation and taking precautions). Trudeau was back up asking about CSIS testimony about lacking resources and would new resources be allocated (Blaney: We have increased the budget by one third in recent years and have done the same with the RCMP), and asked if any preventative detentions have taken place in recent weeks (Blaney: We are moving forward with more tools). Hélène Laverdière and Paul Dewar asked about Malala Yousafzai and education initiatives (Paradis: We are investigating in global education), and Jean Crowder and Romeo Saganash asked about First Nations on-reserve child and family services funding (Valcourt: We have taken a preventative approach and ensuring there are no funding disputes between federal and provincial jurisdictions).

Round three saw questions on credit card fees, Canada Post home delivery, why those 80 individual who have returned from fighting abroad have not yet been charged under the combatting terrorism legislation (Blaney: I hope we can count on your support for our new measures), and whether the new measures would include a parliamentary oversight committee (Blaney: We have an anti-terrorism strategy), childcare spaces, VIA Rail service in Eastern Quebec, and supertankers on the St. Lawrence.

Overall, the attempt to set a respectful tone in light of events, we saw the NDP lob a series of softball questions to the government, and most gallingly, pat themselves on the back for it at the end of QP as some kind of demonstration of how democracy works as Peter Julian used their last allotted question to do. That left it up to the Liberals – Justin Trudeau and Wayne Easter in particular – to ask real questions about national security and what is being done with regards to those on watch lists under current counter-terrorism legislation. Later in the Foyer, Trudeau explained that they want to know what is being done right now with the current powers of security services before they talk about expanding them, which seems like the responsible thing for an opposition party to do. Stephen Blaney, however, didn’t answer a single one of their questions but simply shilled for support for forthcoming legislation. It was a striking difference in tone between the parties, and should be noted.

Sartorially speaking, snaps go out to Maxime Bernier for a medium grey suit with subtle pinstripes along with a white shirt and pocket square and a light and dark blue striped tie, and to Lisa Raitt for a black v-neck top and tailored suit. Style citations go out to Roxanne James for a black jacket and slacks with a dull butterscotch collared top which she wore with the collar over the jacket, and to Bal Gosal for a medium grey suit with a swamp-green shirt and tie.