Senate scandal back to the forefront as members return to Commons
Posted November 4, 2013 5:13 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The Senate expense scandal is sure to return to the spotlight Monday as business resumes on Parliament Hill.
MPs are back in the national capital — the Conservatives fresh from rallying behind their leader, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, at the party’s convention in Calgary — for what’s expected to be more opposition grilling of the Conservatives over the Senate.
Monday promises at least one more day of protracted debate about how to censure the three wayward senators at the centre of the scandal — Patrick Brazeau, Mike Duffy and Pamela Wallin.
A vote on a new government motion to suspend the trio over their disallowed expense claims could come as early as Monday.
Employment Minister Jason Kenney says many government MPs are hoping that once the vote is done, the focus can turn to the best way to reform the upper chamber.
Senate Speaker Noel Kinsella, Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer and Veterans Minister Julian Fantino will get together to kick off this year’s edition of Veterans Week in advance of next week’s Remembrance Day events.
New Democrat MPs Megan Leslie and Francois Choquette will table motions with the House of Commons environment committee to push for a greener national agenda.
Industry Minister James Moore , meanwhile, makes an appearance at the Commons science and technology committee to talk about Bill C-8, the Combating Counterfeit Products Act.
And creating a kinder, gentler Canada will be on the mind of Gov. Gen. David Johnston as he launches a national campaign designed to inspire Canadians to help build a smarter and more caring nation.
