Stephen Harper rarely shows up for Question Period on Mondays. But often, he’ll find time for the House of Commons on Tuesdays. Yesterday, as the clock ticked closer to 2:15 p.m., those in observance noted that the PM’s seat was empty. So was that of Justin Trudeau, the Liberal leader. Among the major leaders, only the NDP’s Tom Mulcair graced the Commons with his presence. Hmm.

In short order, it came to light that Harper and Trudeau were, in fact, at a memorial service at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, where those assembled paid their respects to the late businessman, Paul Desmarais, Sr. The crowd was a smorgasbord of business and political elite: four prime ministers, five Quebec premiers, former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, former governor general Michaëlle Jean, and Conrad Black, to name a few. Powerful federalists and powerful sovereigntists alike filled the pews.

But not Mulcair. The NDP leader stuck to his questions in the Commons, choosing prosecutorial opposition over a tribute to a legendary businessman in his home province. The choice was important, even if it went mostly unnoticed. Rubbing shoulders with the power set, even in the context of a memorial, isn’t comfortable territory for a social democrat. And the NDP leader’s performance in the House has received plenty of praise. His party’s falling behind in polls, but he clearly sees merit to his daily fight in the Commons.

If there’s a long game here, it’s a very long game. Harper’s address to mourners in Montreal received wide coverage, and Trudeau’s presence in Montreal was summarily noted. Nobody outside of Ottawa, save for those precious few who stream parliamentary proceedings online, noticed Mulcair’s performance in the House. He must hope that will, eventually, gradually, change.

 

What’s above the fold

The Globe and Mail	Stephen Harper ordered a more comprehensive Arctic seabed claim.
National Post	Windsor, Ont., posted its sixth-straight budget without a tax hike.
Toronto Star	Ontario plans to introduce legislation to protect vulnerable workers.
Ottawa Citizen	A federal Conservative aide lobbied Ottawa city councillors.
CBC News	An apparent military suicide in Quebec is the fourth in a week.
CTV News	Master Cpl. Sylvain Lelievre, the soldier, was 46 years old.
National Newswatch	Ben Perrin’s PMO emails raise three questions.

 

What you might have missed

THE NATIONAL	Mike Duffy. The health-challenged senator for Prince Edward Island was in recovery yesterday after undergoing heart surgery at the University of Ottawa’s Heart Institute. Duffy had earlier explained that his heart condition may be worsening, and defended himself publicly against doctor’s orders.
THE GLOBAL	CNOOC. The Chinese state-owned petroleum giant that took over Canadian energy producer Nexen complained that its return on investment wasn’t, so far, all that spectacular. The sagging returns are thanks to a number of promises made to the feds, including a promise not to initiate layoffs.

---