QP: In the shadow of Fort McMurray

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After a number of press conferences and stats on the situation in Fort McMurray, there was a bit of a somber mood in the House. It was also Star Wars Day (“May the 4th be with you”) so there’s that.

Rona Ambrose led off, mini-lectern on neighbouring desk, first asked for an update on the response to the wildfires, and Trudeau said that they were responding to requests for the Government of Alberta on things like airlift and identifying assets that can be deployed. Ambrose then moved onto Iran as a state sponsor of terror and accusations that the government is normalizing relations. Trudeau says the country is keeping its eyes open with “cautious reengagement” and that they continued to hold them to account. Ambrose moved onto the issue of government debt, but Trudeau pivoted with praise for things like the Canada Child Benefit. Denis Lebel took over, decrying the spending of the Conservative “surplus,” and Trudeau responded by chastising them for their desire to balance the budget at all costs. There was another round of the same before Thomas Mulcair got up for the NDP, and asked for strengthened disaster response agreements. Trudeau responded with listing the aid they are providing. Mulcair pivoted to KPMG’s Isle of Man tax haven. Trudeau reminded him that they were ensuring that everyone pays their fair share. Mulcair asked again in French, and got much the same answer, and for his final question, Mulcair demanded action on supply management and Bombardier, accusing him of not working for Quebec. Trudeau retorted by pointing out that they elected the majority of Quebec MPs.

Round two, and Lisa Raitt decried the loss of balanced budget legislation (Morneau: Canadians appreciate our Canada Child Benefit), Phil McColeman read some disappointment about deficits (Morneau: Canadians need a minister who is prepared to make investments), Alice Wong read some disappointment in the small business tax rate (Hutchings: There is a loophole we are trying to correct), and Gérard Deltell reiterated the disappointment with the deficit (Morneau: We’re making investments). Brigitte Sansoucy and demanded more funds for mental health care (Philpott: I am working with the provinces to ensure mental health is a priority), and Charlie Angus demanded a commitment to long-term funding for First Nations mental health (Philpott: I am working with partners to find long-term funding solutions). Gerry Ritz slammed Chrystia Freeland’s travel (Freeland: We are undoing the damage you did to our trade relationship), and Blaine Calkins demanded Freeland admit the trip to LA was for personal reasons (Freeland: You had to hire lobbyists to get media, we got invited). Guy Caron and Irene Mathyssen demanded some sections of the budget implementation bill be split out (Morneau: This isn’t an omnibus bill; Hehr: These are historic investments to help veterans).

Round three saw questions on ministers not posting travel on time, the climate change plan, the MTS takeover from Bell, victims of Iranian-sponsored terror going to court, aid for Fort McMurray, official bilingualism, veterans advisory groups, and the assisted dying bill versus the Quebec law.

Overall, it was remarked that everyone is trying to do stand-up in their questions — and they’re bombing miserably. You know what kills humour? When you’re reading it from the paper in front of you rather than looking like you’re spontaneous in your delivery.

Sartorially speaking, snaps go out to Blake Richards for a tailored dark grey suit with a pink shirt and reddish pink tie, and to Michelle Rempel for a white dress with black seagull patterns across it (or maybe it’s a black dress with white seagulls…). Style citations go out to Rona Ambrose who ruined an otherwise lovely grey dress with a mustard jacket with white piping, and to Joël Godin for a medium grey suit with a fluorescent blue shirt and striped tie.