The House of Commons returns today from a week-long recess, but it’s unlikely to be business as usual.
MPs are in their 11th day of debate over Conservative demands for documentation on federal spending on green technology projects.
The privileges issue has all but paralyzed the House of Commons’ business as the Liberals seek to maintain control of an increasingly volatile minority parliament.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh also sent a letter to Speaker Greg Fergus, calling for an urgent debate over allegations by the RCMP linking Indian government personnel to murders, extortion and coercion in Canada.
Following the allegations, Canada expelled six Indian diplomats and India also sent back six Canadian envoys.
Singh said in his letter that given the “seriousness of the situation and the danger it poses to all Canadians,” MPs need an emergency debate to discuss measures to protect the public.
An NDP spokesperson said if Fergus approves the request, a debate could take place as early as Monday night, after the regular adjournment of Parliament.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to face the most serious challenge to his leadership yet on Wednesday.
Some Liberal MPs plan to confront Prime Minister Trudeau at Wednesday’s caucus over weak poll numbers and bleak election prospects, according to multiple media reports.
The exact strategy and scope of the attempt to force Trudeau to resign remains unclear, but some MPs who spoke to The Canadian Press about the background said the number of MPs involved was significant.
Prime Minister Trudeau could avoid both problems by taking the controversial step of prorogating Parliament, allowing him to prepare for a new Throne Speech.
Some political watchers believe Trudeau’s resignation could give the Liberal Party time to mount a leadership election.
The prime minister plans to reshuffle his cabinet soon, replacing four ministers who are not expected to run again in the next election.
A general election must be held by October next year, but it could be brought earlier if the Liberal Party loses confidence in the House of Commons.
