Question Period Live

Justin Trudeau’s first QP as prime minister

The new House, full of Liberal rookies and veterans alike, is an awkward, beautiful expression of democracy

Adrian Wyld/CP

Adrian Wyld/CP

Canada got a look this afternoon at the faces, some new and some old, of the cabinet front-benchers who have promised the sort of “real change” that comes with high expectations. Canada also witnessed the opposition’s first attempt at nailing the government to the wall. Question period saw ex-cabinet ministers try to pin down rookie Liberals, first-time MPs go after Chrétien-era veterans, and lots of people getting comfortable in their new office. Moments always stick out. Several exchanges previewed the Trudeau years to come.

Justin Trudeau & Rona Ambrose

One thing that interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose didn’t do, as she asked question period’s first question, was scream across the aisle, arms aflutter. One thing Trudeau didn’t do was blame the former government for the challenges in front of him. These two might even smile at each other once in a while.


Bill Morneau & Lisa Raitt

Lisa Raitt, the Tory finance critic and ex-Transport minister, barely consulted notes while on the government side—and continued that tradition this afternoon. Finance Minister Bill Morneau copied that style in his every answer. There might be meaty policy exchanges in their future.


John McCallum & Michelle Rempel

Immigration Minister John McCallum is a 15-year veteran of question period, including a long stint in government. He exudes confidence, sans notes. Tory MP Michelle Rempel is already proving relentless, asking detailed, pointed questions. Fireworks may lie ahead.


Carolyn Bennett & Charlie Angus

On question period’s first day back, nobody was more respectful to each other than the Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett and NDP MP Charlie Angus. Both gave each other kudos and pledged to work together to improve the lives of Indigenous people in Canada. And they sounded sincere.


Need a quick primer on who Canada just elected? Check our interactives on the 42nd Parliament and all the connections between cabinet ministers. You might also want to consult the House’s seating plan.

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