LaVar Payne
The Backbench Spring: Justin Trudeau joins the cause
Liberals will move to change the rules around statements by members
How to turn Mark Warawa into a symbol
A motion on sex-selective abortion is ruled out of order
Independent thought alert
The CBC reports that three Conservative MPs put their concerns about the Nexen deal in writing.
LaVar Payne is unimpressed
The Conservative MP reviews Pat Martin’s tweets.
The second hour of debate on Motion 312
Motion 312, authored by Stephen Woodworth, received its second hour of debate this afternoon. Conservative MPs Stella Ambler, David Anderson and Mark Warawa spoke in favour of the motion (Ms. Ambler and Mr. Warawa had previously stated their support). Conservative MP LaVar Payne also tweeted his support this afternoon.
The farce is strong in these ones
Among the Conservaties who stood in the House this week and criticized the NDP’s stance on cap-and-trade were Kyle Seeback, Peter Van Loan, Gord Brown, Leon Benoit, Shelly Glover, Chris Warkentin, LaVar Payne, Gerry Ritz, Pierre Poilievre, Christian Paradis, Rick Dykstra, Randy Hoback, Pierre Lemieux, Ed Fast, Tony Clement and Andrew Saxton. These individuals—like Phil McColeman, Joe Preston and Ed Holder, who attacked the NDP last week—were all Conservative candidates in 2008 when the Conservative party platform included a commitment to pursue a continental cap-and-trade system.
The tenor of our times
The Conservatives have lately taken to trying to make funny quips based on the New Democratic Party’s initials. This morning, Conservative backbencher LaVar Payne tweeted his contribution.
A backbencher gets his due
The national wire service takes note of LaVar Payne’s contribution to our democracy.
When keeping it partisan goes wrong
As Kady notes, things apparently got a bit uncomfortable during QP this morning. Here’s the full extent of Mr. Poilievre’s comments. Emphasis ours.
Today in Parliament
Before Question Period each day, 15 minutes is set aside for MP’s to stand and deliver short statements on whatever subject they wish to speak to. Usually this involves expressions of concern for international events, commendation for local charities, or reference to legislative matters. It is, at least in theory, the House’s one forum through which individual members can speak of their own volition, irrespective of ongoing debate or strict party interest.