This is the week that was

Theresa Spence repeated her demand that the Governor General be involved in a meeting with First Nations leaders. Charles Angus suggested a compromise. After some negotiation, a declaration was signed and Theresa Spence ended her protest and exited the stage. Manitoba elder Raymond Robinson explained himself. Thomas Mulcair and Bob Rae considered the moment. Wab Kinew talked to George Strouboulopoulos. The Agenda considered moving past the Indian Act. Details of the Prime Minister’s meeting with First Nations leaders were leaked. And Brent Rathgeber and Blake Richards worried about civil disobedience.

Thomas Mulcair suggested Kevin Page’s term might be extended. The Library of Parliament explained the state of the selection process for a new PBO. Kevin Page framed the decision about his successor and then reviewed the government’s finances.

The candidates for Liberal leader debated in Vancouver. We counted the days of the parliamentary year as the nation’s legislatures sat empty. Diane Finley considered the case of Marlene Giersdof. The Conservatives committed to study the Windsor Hum. Dan Ross blamed the Harper government for the confusion around the F-35, but Gary Goodyear insisted the government was “dead right.” And Peter Kent questioned a journalist’s motivations.

Concerns were raised about food packing deregulation. Julian Fantino responded to concerns about his comments on Haiti. The BC New Democrats proposed new rules for government advertising. The ethics commissioner admonished two parliamentary secretaries and clarified the rules. The Liberals took Question Period to Twitter. The Prime Minister named five new senators. The president of the World Bank endorsed a price on carbon.

We looked at Brad Wall’s views on pricing carbon and questioned the idea of a one-time pact to reform the electoral system. Paul Wells considered the candidates for Liberal leader in Quebec. John Geddes profiled Brian Mulroney, listened to Mark Carney and looked ahead to the return of the House. Rob Silver reviewed the recent history of delegated conventions. And Ivor Tossell considered Rob Ford’s legal victory.