This is the week that was

We remembered that John Baird used to tout the price on carbon his government was going to implement and how Stephen Harper once figured a price on carbon would create an incentive for carbon capture and storage. One Conservative backbencher worried about an increase in the cost of automobiles. Other Conservatives were even more farcical in expressing concern.

Jim Flaherty blamed the opposition for omnibus budget bills. Megan Leslie pointed out references to the “environment” on a government website. The government promptly removed most of those references. But links between the environment and the Navigable Waters Protection Act seemed hard to deny. Online and in the House, Ralph Goodale condemned the latest budget bill. Thomas Mulcair questioned the Harper government’s credibility. The Harper government decided to let several committees study the bill. Scott Clark and Peter DeVries liked at least one of the changes in C-45.

Stephen Harper called a trio of by-elections. Christian Paradis’ late-night news release was questioned and Mr. Harper promised future clarity on foreign investment. Kelly Block’s flyer on refugee health care drew a protest. Tony Clement agreed with some reforms while disagreeing with others. Thomas Mulcair stated his case against Stephen Harper. Bob Rae stated his case against the Indian Act. After an incident aboard an Air Canada plane, Romeo Saganash sought help for an alcohol problem. Maurice Vellacott awarded Diamond Jubilee medals to two anti-abortion activists. Paul Calandra went looking for Liberal sympathizers. Joe Comartin faced a fight with Major League Baseball. And Dean Del Mastro challenged the Internet.

The Parliamentary Budget Officer prepared to take the Harper government to court. The Harper government promised to consider its options for new jet fighters. The auditor general looked into cyber security, the treatment of veterans and long-term fiscal sustainability. The Conservatives successfully courted the ethnic vote. The Supreme Court ruled against holding a by-election in Etobicoke Centre. And Emmett Macfarlane and Adam Goldenberg considered the ramifications.