With all the flak I've sent Michael Ignatieff's way it's only fair I applaud him for doing something I like. And I guess it's ironic that I'm applauding him for absenting himself from the House of Commons.
Then, with the second last question of the day, the Conservatives sent up Jeff Watson, the giddy backbencher who'd wandered into the House earlier with a pair of sunglasses perched atop his head. "Mr. Speaker, on April 14 the Liberal leader said, and I quote, 'We will have to raise taxes,'" he said, expending great energy to seem serious. "Does the government agree with the Liberal leader when he says, and I quote, 'We will have to raise taxes,' and should Canadians take him at his word?"
The Liberals groaned, then moaned as the government sent up Pierre Poilievre to answer. At the sight of the Prime Minister's parliamentary secretary, Ignatieff decided the proceedings moot, packed up his papers and left the House, the Conservatives calling after him to stay.
While there's definitely something to be said for showing due respect to those who have opinions that differ from yours, the behaviour of Poilièvre and the other Conservative attack puppies in the House of Commons has been contemptible. So by all means, treat it with contempt. Obviously MPs from the opposition parties need to be in attendance when there's real business to be done. But on other occasions, when the Conservatives start their nonsense, walking out is the appropriate response. Don't feed the trolls.
Update:
Sorry. H/t Far and Wide by way of Scott Tribe.
Would be nice if they did this consistently, thus making the Cons look like the fools they are.
They need to drive home the point that Tory blather is noise pollution. Simple fact, they need to bring earmuffs into the chamber with the instructions: use as needed!
Not only that - but during the Members Statements portion - the Cons did the partisan attack on ALL opposition parties. Mostly the Liberals, but the BLOC and NDP as well.
They are trying to campaign on taxpayer dollars and of course, wasting our monies on partisan attacks in the House of Commons, Members Statements portion - paid for and maintained by taxpayers.
Most MP's take that time, like they should, to commend a constituent, bring out some good points about their riding, etc.
Now I am confused ..... I am trying to figure out what part of: "We will be watching them like hawks..." can be accomplished by leaving the House. Do hawks use CPAC?
Let's face it. That watching them like hawks thing really wasn't working out anyway.