QP: Some talking points about supporting Ukraine

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For Wednesday, caucus day, and this prime minister’s proto-PMQ day, there was a very curious absence in the Chamber, as Candice Bergen was absent even though every other leader was present—even Amita Kuttner was in the gallery watching. Luc Berthold led off, script in front of him, and in French, demanded the expulsion of the Russian ambassador. Justin Trudeau stated that they have been clear in their condemnation, and said they would continue to aid Ukrainians in every way possible—but did not answer the question. Berthold insisted there was no reason for Putin’s representative to stay here and spread misinformation, and Trudeau repeated his “everything we can do” talking points rather than do something like speak about the value of diplomacy. Berthold the pivoted to provinces lifting public health orders and demanded that all federal vaccine mandates be lifted, and Trudeau read some well-worn talking points about following science, and praised Canadians for getting vaccinated. Michael Chong took over in English, and he again demanded that the a Russian ambassador be expelled, and he went on about doing everything they can do for Ukraine. Chong demanded the government order the CRTC to keep RT from Canadian airwaves, and Trudeau read a script about information warfare and that they are asking the CRTC to conduct a review, but it was important to note that this was in the hands of independent regulators and not politicians.

Yves-François Blanchet led for the Bloc, and worried about the government musing about sending Western Canadian oil to Europe, and Trudeau, extemporaneously, said the future depends on decarbonising but at the moment Europe needs help so they would see what they can do. Blanchet wanted more clarity about what this means, and Trudeau rebutted that his was the government that has done the most to combat climate change, but they would be there to help friends in Europe.

Jagmeet Singh rose for the NDP, in person today, and demanded visa-free travel for Ukrainians, citing Lloyd Axworthy, and Trudeau insisted they were not refusing but were working to increase the ease by which they can help Ukrainians coming to Canada, and they were looking at the best way to go about this. Singh repeated the demand in French, and a Trudeau repeated his answer.

Round two, and Kerry-Lynne Findlay demanded the immediate signature of a contract for F-35 fighters (Trudeau, with script: There is an independent, robust process ongoing, free of political interference), Laila Goodridge raised a friend in Ukraine who made it out and wants to come to Canada but are hamstrung by the visa requirements (Trudeau: We are looking carefully at what the best measures will be as quickly as possible), and Rosemarie Falk demanded more federal supports for provinces to resettle Ukrainians (Trudeau: We will be there to support Ukrainians, like we were for Syrians and Afghans), and again demanded that the Russian ambassador be expelled (Trudeau: We are doing anything and everything to help Ukraine).

Blanchet was back up to trash the Conservative argument on sending oil to Europe (Trudeau: We will continue to be leaders on environmental protection and combatting climate change hand-in-hand with our European partners and we will look for solutions together).

James Bezan worried that some Russian oligarchs with Canadian operations were not being sanctioned (Trudeau: There has been an unprecedented level of unity in sanctions, and we will find more people to sanction, but we will do it in a coordinated fashion with allies), Marilyn Gladu was playing dumb about what oil is or is not being imported from Russia (Trudeau: We haven’t imported any for a couple of years and have not imported a significant amount since 2012), Blake Richards made a paean for “ethical oil” (Trudeau: We are still seized with the climate crisis, and need to move toward a greener future), and Len Webber demanded immediate action on visa-free travel for Ukrainians (Trudeau: We have been working to simplify and accelerate processes).

Jagmeet Singh was back up to worry that interest rates were raised and demanded a plan to help struggling families (Trudeau: We will keep having Canadians’ backs, and our benefits are indexed to inflation), and the same again in French (Trudeau: same answer).

Round three saw questions on the Emergencies Act and the faith in democratic institutions (Trudeau: People are exhausted after the last two years, and it’s important to remember how Canadians stepped up for one another), preparations if Putin makes good on his threats against Ukraine’s friends (Trudeau: Putin underestimated the resolve of governments to stand up to him, and we will ensure he does not profit from the rules-based order), plans for a Russian attack (Trudeau: Canada is prepared for any and all eventualities, but the best way is to be engaged instead of hunkering down), helping Ukraine and Europe’s green transition (Trudeau: We want to help with what they need, including the green transition), the Baie du Nord project (Trudeau: This is being evaluated by the assessment agency), inflation (Trudeau: We lowered cellphone bills and childcare costs, we raised the federal minimum wage and have enhanced benefits; We reinvested in housing federally), testing requirements at the border (Trudeau: We must remain vigilant, and rapid tests are easier and less costly), another finding of possible residential school graves (Trudeau: We will continue to provide support as needs arise while respecting witnesses of communities), and support for a bill on eliminating environmental racism (Trudeau: I have mandated the minister to put forward a plan to address these issues and we are supporting this bill).

Overall, it was a mediocre day, and Justin Trudeau again remains constrained by bland scripts rather than making some more heartfelt extemporaneous statements or replies. It’s also incredibly frustrating that when confronted by constant demands to expel the Russian ambassador. What Trudeau should have done was talk about the importance of diplomacy, or why we need to have eyes and ears on the ground in Moscow with our own ambassador there, and maybe even why diplomacy isn’t a cookie we give countries for good behaviour. But no—we just got more talking points about all of the great things we’re doing for Ukraine. As was pointed out in a recent Paul Wells column, this government took the maxim that “when you’re explaining, you’re losing” to heart, so they never explain, and just give happy-clappy talking points that let bad ideas or disinformation to unchallenged. That shouldn’t be how this works, and yet that’s what keeps happening, time and again. This shouldn’t be that difficult, and yet here we are. This having been said, the only decent point that Trudeau made today was that they are asking for the CRTC to review RT’s broadcast licence rather than making an order, because in a democracy you get independent regulators rather than politicians making these kinds of decisions, which was a good point to make, but it’s taken him days to make it.

Sartorial speaking, snaps go out to Arif Virani for a medium grey three-piece suit over a crisp white shirt and a medium blue tie, and to Julie Dzerowicz for a black suit over a white v-necked top. Style citations go out to Ruby Sahota for a mustard yellow top under a grey sleeveless lapelled jacket (which may have been a sweater—it was hard to tell at a distance), and to Darrell Samson for a black suit over a black and white checked shirt and a black, white and red bow-tie. Dishonourable mention goes out to Anna Roberts for a golden yellow sweater over a black and white top and black slacks.