As the Speaker tried to restore order, Poilievre can be seen on camera pointing off screen in what appears to be Singh’s direction and seems to be mouthing the words, ‘Do it’
The House of Commons descended into chaos during question period on Thursday after Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh a “phony and a fraud.” Poilievre criticized the NDP and the Bloc Québécois for not backing a Conservative non-confidence motion aimed at ousting the Liberal government.
How did the conflict between Poilievre and Singh start?
Poilievre took two shots at Singh during the session. After the first, Speaker Greg Fergus stepped in, saying he was in an “uncomfortable situation,” but Poilievre ignored him. He then brought up an NDP ad for a Winnipeg byelection where Singh talked about scrapping the “carbon tax coalition.”
Poilievre accused Singh of pretending to fight for the people while actually fighting for his own pension, calling him a “fake, a phony, and a fraud” for refusing to back the Conservative motion. After this, the House erupted in loud shouting.
How did Singh respond?
Singh reportedly left his seat, walked into the aisle, and yelled at Poilievre, with witnesses saying he shouted, “I’m right here, bro.” Some MPs said Singh even dared Poilievre to “say it to my face.” Poilievre, seen pointing in Singh’s direction, appeared to mouth the words “Do it.”
Singh’s exact words and actions weren’t captured on camera, but the altercation led to more disorder in the House.
Why were the microphones turned off?
Speaker Fergus tried to calm things down by turning off the microphones, a practice used to prevent loud exchanges from being recorded and to help translators hear more clearly. He did this three times before the House finally quieted. Once order was restored, Fergus reminded MPs that question period is meant to hold the government accountable, not for opposition parties to attack each other.
Why were Poilievre’s comments controversial?
Poilievre began question period by referencing Quebec Premier François Legault’s plea to Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet to support the Conservative motion. However, question period is for MPs to question the government, not each other.
Despite being reminded of this, Poilievre continued, criticizing both the Bloc and Singh. Since his questions weren’t directed at the government, they went unanswered, allowing Poilievre to repeatedly rise and speak without response from Liberal MPs.
How did the Speaker respond?
Fergus reprimanded the entire House for its lack of decorum, reminding MPs that they shouldn’t question each other’s character or cause disorder. He urged them to remember that Canadians were watching and to act respectfully.
The vote on the Conservative non-confidence motion is expected next week.
