Canadian PM Trudeau wants to make amends over ‘elbowgate’

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has addressed the House of Commons, following a spat on the floor of the House last night that saw him grab the Conservative whip and accidentally elbow a New Democrat MP.

Justin Trudeau apologized again this morning following a spat on the floor of the House last night that saw him grab the Conservative whip and accidentally elbow a New Democrat MP.

Trudeau said he wanted MPs “to understand how contrite and how regretful” he is over his behaviour and said he wants to make amends.

He also referred to comments by MPs that the House has been tense this week as the government tries to pass C-14, the assisted dying bill, by the end of the week.

“I refuse to allow anyone to think there was any justification for my behaviour yesterday evening. It was on me, it was my mistake, it was unbecoming of anyone in this House. I know my colleagues expect better of me,” Trudeau said. “I ask for Canadians’ understanding and forgiveness.”

Interim Conservative leader Rona Ambrose kicked off the morning in a privilege debate following the spat. “The House belongs to the people, Mr. Speaker, not us,” she said. “It’s unbecoming. It’s unbecoming of all members, but certainly of a prime minister.”

Opposition MPs said Trudeau could make amends by withdrawing the government’s motion M-6, which would give them enormous power to control the House agenda and limit the opposition’s ability to slow down debate. The motion, if passed, would also let a Liberal cabinet minister or parliamentary secretary adjourn the House for the summer with no debate and no advance notice.

Source: ctvnews.ca

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