QP: The “proof” of the tape

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The first day back after a week away, the release of the tape, and with the federal carbon price backstop now in effect, it was likely to be a complete dog’s breakfast in QP, but none of the leaders were present to take part — Justin Trudeau meeting with the president of Israel, and Andrew Scheer in New Brunswick to shake his fist performatively at said carbon price. Candice Bergen led off, saying that the tapes “proved” that there was orchestrated pressure on Jody Wilson-Raybould, and said that since she couldn’t ask if the prime minister lied so she tried to word around it — and got a warning from the Speaker. Bardish Chagger reminded her that the prime minister took responsibility, the justice committee held five weeks of hearings, and everything was in public, and the Ethics Commissioner was investigating it. Bergen demanded the truth from the prime minister, and Chagger largely repeated the response. Bergen demanded that the prime minister instruct the justice committee to reopen the investigation, to which Chagger said the committees are independent and the system is working. Alain Rayes took over in French, repeated that the tapes “prove” interference, and demanded the truth. Chagger reminded him that they always tell the truth, and that it all happened in public so that people could hear for themselves. On a repeat of the same, Chagger said that the opposition hasn’t been listening to witnesses. Peter Julian led off in French for the NDP and demanded a public inquiry, and Chagger listed off the work of the committee and the Ethics Commissioner. Julian switched to English to repeat his demand for a public inquiry, and Chagger reiterated her response. Georgina Joilibois raised the issue of the Grassy Narrows protester at the Liberal fundraiser last week, to which Carolyn Bennett reminded her that they are working with the community and are moving forward on the promised health facility, and capped it off with a shot at the Conservatives. Brigitte Sansoucy repeated the question in French, demanding the PM visit Grassy Narrows immediately, and Bennett read the French version of her previous response.

Round two, and Shannon Stubbs, Pierre Paul-Hus, and Mark Strahl demanded “the truth” on the Double-Hyphen Affair (Chagger: This has all been public and the system is working). Charlie Angus returned to the Grassy Narrows question (Vandal: We are committed to building a health centre, and we need to work with the province and community), and he threw some unctuous sanctimony on the record (Vandal: Look at our record with First Nations). Alupa Clarke, James Bezan, and Rob Nicholson demanded an investigation on the leak of the details on the Supreme Court of Justice appointment process (Lametti: We are proud of our appointment process and will continue with it; Chagger: We are working hard to raise the bar). Cheryl Hardcastle and Brian Masse asked about the announced auto job losses in Windsor (Bains: I visited the management to find out how to protect these jobs, and we will continue to support the sector).

Round three saw yet more questions on the Wilson-Raybould tape (Chagger: This was all public and the system works), canola exports to China (Bibeau: This is a high priority, CFIA is having high-level discussions with their counterparts in China), humanitarian aid to Yemen (Goldsmith-Jones: We support the peace process and encourage access to humanitarian aid), and Québec’s “secularism” legislation (Lametti: Their rights are fundamental and no government should tell people what to wear of what to believe).

Overall, there were some novel interpretations of what the Wilson-Raybould tape contained, and the insistence that it was “proof” that backed up her claim was mighty selective, though not surprising. I was surprised that there weren’t a number of Conservative questions about the carbon price, though they did make a number of members’ statements about it – something they can still put out over their social media – but given how much of their messaging has been wrapped up in that topic, it was somewhat surprising that it didn’t make a bigger impact in their questions. Bardish Chagger’s responses today were largely sleep-inducing, while the only real interesting response came from David Lametti on the issue of Quebec’s “secularism” law, as the Bloc MPs were praising it and demanding the federal government keep away.

Sartorially speaking, snaps go out to Blake Richards for a dark grey suit with a lavender shirt and purple tie, and to Jennifer O’Connell for a pink collared shirt with a black skirt. Style citations go out to Mélanie Joly for a black dress with a tight floral pattern, green trim and ruffled panels and sleeves, and to Dan Ruimy for a dark grey jacket, light grey vest, black shirt and burgundy tie. Dishonourable mention goes out to both Ginette Petitpas Taylor and Monique Pauzé for a black top and slacks with a yellow jacket. 

6 thoughts on “QP: The “proof” of the tape”

  2. Perhaps we could agree to stipulate that Dale doesn’t like any combination of black and yellow attire, thus saving some electronic ink going forward.

  3. I really like the sartorial notes. Though without photos, they all sound like sharp dressers.

    • We’re not allowed to take photos in the chamber, and tracking them down afterward would be creepy.

      • I wasn’t suggesting that, though it occurs to me it’s natural to think so. I’m sure you put quite enough time into this fabulous blog, I’m not asking for more.

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