This week in QP: Poilievre defends his first big reform

The opposition trawls for weakness in Tory electoral reform

<p>Canada&#8217;s Minister of State for Democratic Reform Pierre Poilievre speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa December 3, 2013. REUTERS/Chris Wattie (CANADA &#8211; Tags: POLITICS) &#8211; RTX162IW</p>

Canada’s Minister of State for Democratic Reform Pierre Poilievre speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa December 3, 2013. REUTERS/Chris Wattie (CANADA – Tags: POLITICS) – RTX162IW

Houseofcommons-story

The government’s attempt at electoral reform, and the opposition’s various misgivings about the legislation’s true intent, energized most of Question Period. Pierre Poilievre, the Minister of Democratic Reform, took centre stage for the first time since his prior stint as the prime minister’s occasional stand-in during QP. Later in the week, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair warned the government not to go after public servants’ benefits, and the government remained unmoved. Julian Fantino, the veterans’ affairs minister, was probably happy for the distractions.

MONDAY
How does Pierre Poilievre define consultation

TUESDAY
Electoral reform strips Elections Canada powers

WEDNESDAY
Mulcair gives new life to robocalls allegations

THURSDAY
The first salvo in a labour war