Trudeau, O’Toole trade political jabs, as debates begin over hybrid sittings, new pandemic aid
Posted November 24, 2021 10:34 am.
It hasn’t taken long for federal party leaders to drop the gloves in the new parliament. A day after the Throne Speech, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Erin O’Toole are already trading barbs, as MPs get back to regular business in the House of Commons.
At the first caucus meeting of the session, O’Toole had his sights set on attacking the Liberal government, blaming their fiscal strategy for the rising cost of living.
“The Liberal government’s spending is fueling the inflation crisis,” he said, arguing the prime minister is just in it for himself and not Canadians.
Conservative Leader @erinotoole is giving a speech to his caucus after the 44th Parliament begins.
He claims the Trudeau government's spending is fueling inflation.
Says Conservatives will be the voice for Canadians in Parliament#cdnpoli— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) November 24, 2021
“Instead of standing up for Canadians, we have a prime minister who always puts his own needs ahead of yours,” O’Toole added.
Related article: COVID-19 recovery top priority in throne speech, but governor general provides little detail
Trudeau delivered a jab of his own as he made his way to his caucus meeting.
“We’re focused on fighting climate change, we’re focused on growing the economy, we’re focused on reconciliation. The kinds of things Mr. O’Toole should be focused on,” he said.
“Instead, he’s focused on getting exemptions for his MPs,” Trudeau added.
Conservatives have objected to mandatory vaccination rules for the House of Commons and in a debate that begins Wednesday will try to stop hybrid sittings of parliament. They instead favour a full return to in-person proceedings.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau responding to Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole’s caucus speech which heavily criticized the PM over the cost of living and the economy #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/H2wn2Me3PU
— Cormac Mac Sweeney (@cmaconthehill) November 24, 2021
The government may also introduce the next phase of pandemic aid, with legislation be aimed at helping the hardest-hit industries pay wages and rent through the winter months.
