Â鶹´«Ã½

Politics

    • Trudeau's new House leader wants question period to become an hour Canadians watching can be proud of

    Share

    If you've tuned in to question period and wondered if that is really how the elected member of Parliament representing you in Ottawa should be acting, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's new House leader is trying to change that.

    "For me, my objective is that when school groups come into question period and watch question period, they're going to be proud of what they see," new Government House Leader Karina Gould told Â鶹´«Ã½ in an interview.

    While opinion differs on when question period became the kind of spectacle and display of partisan furor that's become perfectly clip-able for social media, every year it seems to be remarked that it's only getting worse. 

    All sides share some blame, from what can sometimes be inflammatory questions lobbed across the aisle, to the string of buzzwords and vague phrases often offered back in the place of answers.

    In the last few months of the spring sitting, House of Commons Speaker Anthony Rota has interjected numerous times during the raucous hour-long mid-afternoon exercise, meant to be about accountability, to remind MPs about how they should comport themselves.

    "What part of 'while somebody is speaking, we sit quietly and listen' do we not understand?"

    Now, newly-minted in the key legislative management role, Gould is pledging to ensure that Liberal MPs and ministers follow through on presenting a "reasonableness" in the chamber.

    "I can't speak for the opposition parties and how they're going to manage themselves," Gould said. "But, at least on the government side, they're going to, you know, be proud of the work that we're doing in the seat of Canada's democracy. And that's what I hope that they'll take away from their experience."

    Gould was shuffled into her this position in Trudeau's July 26 mega cabinet reconfiguration, replacing Mark Holland who had been responsible for moving bills through the House since 2021. In the few weeks since, Gould has sought guidance and advice from previous Liberal House leaders, including Holland and his predecessor Pablo Rodriguez who have helped steer the ship through minority waters.

    "The role of House leader takes on a whole new level of responsibility when you don't have a majority in Parliament… I'm going to continue to rely on their counsel," Gould said.

    Asked why she thinks Trudeau tapped her to take on this job, Gould said it was a good question.

    "I was a little surprised to be chosen," she said. "The prime minister when he asked me to take on this role, it's very much about setting the tone in the House of Commons. And I think bringing the approach that I brought to question period in terms of being calm but firm, pushing back when needing to do that, but also as someone who has been able to work across party lines."

    While she didn't point directly to it, some of her cabinet colleagues likely weren't surprised to see Trudeau pick her as House leader, given the role she was already playing by instinct in the chamber.

    During question period, the role of House leader can start to seem like air traffic control, helping direct which minister or parliamentary secretary should be rising to respond.

    Gould, a self-described back-seat driver in question period — her chair was literally behind Holland prior to the shuffle — had grown accustomed to leaning over and whispering, as an opposition question came in, who she thought should be answering it and how they should respond.

    "My staff were actually telling me that sometimes when they were watching question period, they could see me leaning over and talking about it. I thought I was being discreet," she said. "I always have a lot of thoughts and opinions on these things, and I make them known."

    On the procedure side of the role, Gould said she's absorbed a lot through osmosis since she was first elected to represent Burlington, Ont., in 2015.

    But she plans to do a bit of a parliamentary "boot camp" over the summer and lean on the "process nerds" that make up the rest of her team, including deputy Government House Leader Sherry Romanado, and parliamentary secretaries Kevin Lamoureux and Mark Gerretsen.

    Heading into the fall sitting with a shortening legislative runway to see the Liberals move on and pass key pieces of legislation to fulfill their commitments both to Canadians and to the New Democrats, Gould is bracing for some hard conversations with her cabinet colleagues about whose bills will take priority.

    "That discussion is going to happen over the coming weeks, and we're going to have to prioritize and pick and choose what are the things that are most important," Gould said. "I have no doubt that there are going to be tough conversations with some colleagues, but at the end of the day, we have to focus on what's important for Canadians now and into the future. And I think that's going to have a big impact in terms of what we're advancing in the fall."

    She's already spoken with her opposition House leader colleagues – Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer, Bloc Quebecois House Leader Alain Therrien and NDP House Leader Peter Julian, as well as Green MP Mike Morrice – in an effort to build "collaborative" and "collegial" relationships ahead of the House getting back in session in September, where they'll inevitably lock horns as issues arise.

    "We've been in a regular dialogue, which is important," said Julian in an interview. He said trying to uphold a respectful tone in the House is always a challenge for the government's House leader, but he has no doubt in Gould's ability to build a sense of co-operation but also "frankness."

    Scheer, responding to Â鶹´«Ã½' request for comment on his new House leader counterpart, said he plans to "keep the Liberals' feet to the fire," in Parliament.

    "The most important changes that we need to see in the House of Commons are changes to the Liberal policies that have made life more difficult for Canadians," he said in an emailed statement. 

    The last time the Liberals had a female House leader was during majority government days, with Liberal MP Bardish Chagger stickhandling the legislative agenda between 2016 and 2019.

    One of the other items Chagger was mandated to do beyond stickhandle the legislative agenda, was to fulfil a Liberal election platform promise: a first-ever parental leave program for MPs, allowing them to be absent from the chamber for up to a year after giving birth or welcoming home a new child without penalty.

    It's a program Gould pushed hard for, as the then-democratic institutions minister had experienced first-hand administrative issues with the House of Commons, after becoming the first federal cabinet minister to give birth while in office in 2018.

    The policy passed by unanimous consent in 2019, and now Gould, who is expecting her second child in January, is gearing up to use the leave provisions to take more time with her expanded family than she did following the birth of her son.

    Gould said she put "a tremendous pressure" on herself to be back in the House as soon as possible the first time around because she didn't have a way to vote if she wasn't in her seat.

    But now that MPs have agreed to make the hybrid sitting provisions permanent — allowing for continued virtual participation in the House and electronic voting — Gould and others don't have to make that choice.

    "I think that's important because it gives MPs the permission to take the time that they need," Gould said. "And I think it is really positive for getting more women, and particularly young women into Parliament, and not just getting them there but enabling them to stay."

    When Gould takes parental leave, Chief Government Whip Steven MacKinnon will take over as House leader until she returns. 

    IN DEPTH

    Opinion

    opinion

    opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster

    A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?

    opinion

    opinion Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike

    When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing.

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

    Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

    Canada

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

    World

    Politics

    • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    • The Edmonton Oilers may have found the break they were looking for.

    • Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, Colorado Avalanche centre Nathan MacKinnon and Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen have been named the NHL's three stars of the week.

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

    Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

    A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

    As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

    A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

    A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

    Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

    A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

    • LIVE

      LIVE

      Thousands of people are gathered in downtown Vancouver to observe the city’s 100th Remembrance Day ceremony.

    • A suspect was arrested for allegedly brandishing a knife outside a Vancouver elementary school on Friday – just as the young students were heading home for the day.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • Several hundred people gathered outside the Ontario legislature in Toronto to honour veterans and remember those who died fighting for their country.

    • Toronto is expected to see an economic boost to the tune of nearly $300 million thanks to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, which will be making a stop in Canada’s largest city for a six-show run later this month.

    • A man believed to be in his 40s has been rushed to a trauma centre following a stabbing in downtown Toronto.

    • Calgarians will be observing Remembrance Day at a number of different ceremonies across the city, including at the Hangar Flight Museum.

    • July 2025 may seem like it’s in the distant future, but for the St. Luke playground committee time is ticking to fundraise the $340,000 they still need to build a new playground.

    • Getting out to the mountains is even easier with a new bus route from a growing Germany-based service.

    • Crowds gathered in Ottawa and eastern Ontario on Monday to honour the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service of Canada.

    • The Fleet Street Pumping station is Ottawa's oldest water facility. Up to two-thirds of the city's water supply can move through it,

    • The company confirms it will open the new Chipotle at 5671 Hazeldean Road on Thursday, in the former location of Benny & Co.

    • A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats to a woman is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.

    • With fewer interments and rising maintenance fees, the money for Canada's largest military cemetery will run out in three to four years.

    • Montreal Metro passengers can now flag a safety concern by texting a new phone number launched by the STM.

    • A member of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton participated in the national Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Monday.

    • WEATHER

      WEATHER

      This is shaping up to be one of the warmest Remembrance Days in the past decade, at least, for temperatures.

    • Thousands of Maritimers turned out in wet weather Monday to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada's armed forces for Remembrance Day.

    • A Cape Breton senior recalls her life in German-occupied France, and her mother’s death, during the Second World War.

    • Thousand of people gathered at the Menin Gate in the Ypres, Belgium for Monday’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.

    • Remembrance Day is today, and a number of ceremonies are taking place around the province to honour those who gave their lives to serve our country.

    • A pillar in Canada’s history was honoured in Winnipeg Sunday afternoon, with thousands showing up to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the late Murray Sinclair.

    • One Manitoba veteran is on a mission to commemorate and honour those who served our country, and not just on Remembrance Day.

    • There will be two ceremonies taking place in Regina for Remembrance Day, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

    • Fire crews reported that no one was hurt after flames broke out in a home on Robinson Street in central Regina.

    • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

    • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • The Regina Rams claimed the Hardy Cup after a hard fought battle against the Saskatoon Huskies 19-14 on Saturday in the first all Saskatchewan U-Sports western conference final since 2002.

    • Emergency crews responded to the scene on Road 68/Highway 2 east of Thamesford around 7 p.m.

    • The events will start at 10:15 a.m. with a parade that forms up in front of the Delta London Armories, marches east on Dundas Street and turns north onto Waterloo Street to Dufferin Avenue, the west to the Cenotaph.

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • A Barrie man is at the centre of an alleged $2.2 million stolen used car scheme.

    • The 75th anniversary of the Barrie Santa Claus Parade will feature floats, live entertainment, and new attractions, including Santa’s Fireside Gathering.

    • Environment Canada issued a weather alert for Barrie, Collingwood and surrounding areas, alerting residents about the wicked winds that are expected to pick up to 80 kilometres per hour in the afternoon hours.

    • Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, wreath bearers, government officials, and members of the public will attend the Cenotaph at City Hall Square for the outdoor service.

    • Windsor Paralympic champion, Danielle Campo, has been crowned the number one Inspirational Speaker of the Year for 2024 at the Inspirational Speaking Finals.

    • One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) received multiple complaints about an alleged drunk driver.

    • Environment Canada says heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an "intense" storm system is set to hit the B.C. coast Sunday.

    • Six deer were struck by vehicles in six different locations in a six-hour period on B.C. highways on Saturday, according to the transportation ministry.

    • The union for locked-out port workers in British Columbia says the BC Maritime Employers Association cut off talks in less than an hour Saturday, refusing to budge on a final offer that the union has so far rejected.

    • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

    • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

    • More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.

    • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

    • The Lethbridge Hurricanes broke open a close game with three goals in the first two minutes of the third period as they defeated the Warriors 7-3 in a game played Friday night in Moose Jaw.

    • There might not a lot snow just yet, but many southern Albertans are still itching to get outdoors.

    • It was just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when the Shaft Bottom Boys of Sudbury broke a world record for 'Deepest Concert Underground.' Now, more than four years later, a Timmins band is looking to take the title.

    • Police say that a 16-year-old was attacked with a sword Nov. 3 in Cobalt, Ont., in a case of intimate partner violence.

    • Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

    N.L.

    Stay Connected
    Follow Â鶹´«Ã½