Accused of improper partisan conduct, MPs agree to expedited probe into Speaker Fergus
Members of Parliament have agreed to launch an expedited probe into House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus' conduct after days of acrimony in Ottawa over what he says was unintentional participation in a partisan event.
Fergus, who has only held the highly regarded and impartial role as House of Commons Speaker for two months, has been facing calls to resign after MPs questioned whether he impugned his reputation over a "personal" tribute video that played at the Ontario Liberal Party convention last weekend and featured him in his Speaker's office and traditional robe.
Late Wednesday, MPs decided without a formal vote, to approve a proposal — raised by Conservative House Leader and former Speaker Andrew Scheer and granted precedence by Fergus' current deputy Chris d'Entremont — to have the Procedure and House Affairs Committee (PROC) undertake a study.
Under the now-agreed-to motion, PROC is being asked to examine the situation and come back to MPs with suggested remedies. This could include recommending his resignation, other specific individual sanctions, or overarching procedural changes to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
The House of Commons has also collectively agreed that Fergus committed "a breach of the tradition and expectation of impartiality required for that high office, constituting a serious error of judgment which undermines the trust required to discharge his duties and responsibilities."
And, by all sides unanimously approving an amendment earlier in the day, MPs removed the lingering uncertainty around how long this probe could take to conclude.
PROC has now been instructed to meet within 24 hours, make its work on this file the ultimate priority and report back to the House "no later" than Dec. 14, which is the second last scheduled sitting day of the year. The committee is expected to convene Thursday morning.
Separately, the Conservatives are pursuing an investigation into Fergus' use of House resources at the Board of Internal Economy.
The Speaker — who has said he thought the video was to be aired at an "intimate" event feting his longtime friend John Fraser — may now be called to testify and further justify why he's said that while he regrets how the situation played out, he didn't consider it partisan to recognize a colleague.
While Fergus has apologized and vowed to continue to govern the chamber with respect and fairness, as the House was debating the matter, he departed for official business in Washington, D.C., that saw him again referencing his Liberal roots, a move that has left some MPs further questioning his judgment.
Because the expected study will be fast-tracked, it appears likely that the Fergus matter will be resolved before the holiday break, letting MPs return in the new year with a clean slate, either with a repentant Fergus still in the chair or with a new Speaker — the third in as many months.
His predecessor Anthony Rota had to vacate the seat in late September amid cross-party calls for him to step down over his invitation and recognition of a man who fought for a Nazi unit during the Second World War.
Fergus' office has told CTV News he won't be commenting while MPs consider next steps, but he did briefly speak to CBC News on Capitol Hill on Tuesday night, signalling he doesn't plan to step down.
Asked Wednesday what his colleagues make of the matter and Fergus' trip south of the border amid the controversy, Liberal MPs said they don't think their colleague has become a liability, referencing his apology and pledge to uphold his impartiality obligations.
"I know Greg to be somebody who believes in the institutions of Parliament," said Housing Minister Sean Fraser. "My sense is Greg can be even-handed from the chair."
But, with the Conservatives and Bloc Quebecois still calling for Fergus to step down, and the NDP saying they're waiting to see what the probe may reveal before deciding if they can still support him, it remains to be seen whether the Speaker can survive this simmering controversy.
IN DEPTH
'We will go with the majority': Liberals slammed by opposition over proposal to delay next election
The federal Liberal government learned Friday it might have to retreat on a proposal within its electoral reform legislation to delay the next vote by one week, after all opposition parties came out to say they can't support it.
Budget 2024 prioritizes housing while taxing highest earners, deficit projected at $39.8B
In an effort to level the playing field for young people, in the 2024 federal budget, the government is targeting Canada's highest earners with new taxes in order to help offset billions in new spending to enhance the country's housing supply and social supports.
'One of the greatest': Former prime minister Brian Mulroney commemorated at state funeral
Prominent Canadians, political leaders, and family members remembered former prime minister and Progressive Conservative titan Brian Mulroney as an ambitious and compassionate nation-builder at his state funeral on Saturday.
'Democracy requires constant vigilance' Trudeau testifies at inquiry into foreign election interference in Canada
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau testified Wednesday before the national public inquiry into foreign interference in Canada's electoral processes, following a day of testimony from top cabinet ministers about allegations of meddling in the 2019 and 2021 federal elections. Recap all the prime minister had to say.
Supports for passengers, farmers, artists: 7 bills from MPs and Senators to watch in 2024
When parliamentarians return to Ottawa in a few weeks to kick off the 2024 sitting, there are a few bills from MPs and senators that will be worth keeping an eye on, from a 'gutted' proposal to offer a carbon tax break to farmers, to an initiative aimed at improving Canada's DNA data bank.
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 Don Martin: The doctor Trudeau dumped has a prescription for better health care
Political columnist Don Martin sat down with former federal health minister Jane Philpott, who's on a crusade to help fix Canada's broken health care system, and who declined to take any shots at the prime minister who dumped her from caucus.
opinion Don Martin: Trudeau's seeking shelter from the housing storm he helped create
While Justin Trudeau's recent housing announcements are generally drawing praise from experts, political columnist Don Martin argues there shouldn’t be any standing ovations for a prime minister who helped caused the problem in the first place.
opinion Don Martin: Poilievre has the field to himself as he races across the country to big crowds
It came to pass on Thursday evening that the confidentially predictable failure of the Official Opposition non-confidence motion went down with 204 Liberal, BQ and NDP nays to 116 Conservative yeas. But forcing Canada into a federal election campaign was never the point.
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
Trump complains about his teleprompters at a scorching Las Vegas rally
Former U.S. president Donald Trump rallied voters in the scorching heat of Las Vegas, at points telling his supporters to ask for help if needed and appearing irritable with the teleprompters that he said were not working.
Capital gains proposal to be presented to Parliament on Monday, Freeland says
The Liberal government plans to take the first legislative step Monday toward increasing the inclusion rate on capital gains.
$4.8M listing in B.C. includes a house, a ferry and Canada’s only floating pub
A property on B.C.’s Protection Island has hit the market for $4.8 million – but the asking price includes much more than the four-bedroom, five-bathroom waterfront home.
Historic Canadian church in Toronto’s west end devastated by fire: a loss 'too great to comprehend'
A historic piece of artwork has been lost in a fire that destroyed much of church in Toronto’s Little Portugal area on Sunday.
Police say 2 women tried to lure boy into van in southeast Edmonton: EPS
Edmonton police say two women attempted to pick up a 12-year-old boy on Thursday in southeast Edmonton, in what they are calling an attempted abduction.
CN, Amtrak cancel summer passenger train service between Montreal and New York
No passenger trains are set to run between Montreal and New York City until September amid maintenance work on the track.
Woman charged after entering Chatham home, asking about resident's children
A 27-year-old woman has been charged with mischief after she allegedly entered a Chatham home, looking for a child.
France President Macron calls snap election after defeat in EU vote
French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday he was dissolving the National Assembly and calling a snap legislative election after his party suffered a heavy defeat in elections for the European Parliament.
Body of missing British TV presenter Michael Mosley found on Greek island
The body of missing British TV presenter Michael Mosley was found on a Greek island Sunday morning after a days-long search, his family said.
Local Spotlight
Blue Jay Davis Schneider deserves your all-star vote - just ask his sisters
Blue Jay Davis Schneider has some help with his all-star vote campaign: His two sisters.
Great-grandma celebrates 108th birthday in Vancouver
In most families, ringing in a 100th birthday is a massive milestone. Minni Pelman’s family certainly thinks so – as they celebrate her 108th birthday in the park outside her building.
'It's a unique addition': Winnipeg man adds original Eaton's sign to growing collection
Showing off the latest purchase in his Eaton's collection, Corey Quintaine joked he is rebuilding the former flagship store that used to sit at 320 Portage Avenue one Facebook Marketplace purchase at a time.
An 11-year-old Ottawa girl wants to change the rules around backyard chickens
After learning about food security at school, 11-year-old Violette Ferguson wants fresh eggs and to change the rules around chickens in the city.
Ont. powerlifter battles back after catching mild cold that turned into rare and deadly disease
An Ontario powerlifter caught a mild cold last year. Six days later, he was fighting for his life in the ICU.
'The fresh air': Supercentenarian shares secret on 107th birthday
Marking a milestone, Lakeshore resident Olga White celebrated her 107th birthday in style Wednesday.
'What a deal': Zamboni among items available at municipal surplus sale in New Brunswick
The municipality of Tantramar, N.B., is holding a sale to get rid of surplus items it acquired after the Town of Sackville amalgamated with smaller communities last year.
Free money? Mysterious person leaving $50 bills around Metro Vancouver
For several weeks, a mysterious social media user has apparently been leaving $50 bills hidden across Metro Vancouver.
Regina Rifles statue officially unveiled in France
A statue dedicated to the Royal Regina Rifles Regiment has been officially unveiled in France just ahead of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.