Thread by @withfilesfrom

Erin O’Toole’s seat empty as #QP gets underway. Bergen’s tone more aggressive than last Thurs (by which I mean her usual tone); says Trudeau is “overtly politicized” vaccine rollout and should “fix the mess that he’s created.”

Holland replies after 10sec confusion on Lib side

(Me noting tone is to help characterize what approach the interim leader is taking; I am not trying to tone-police but rather point out the dynamic in the House)

Tories are noting recent statements from top docs Tam and Moore that vax mandates and restrictions will need to be reevaluated. The Liberals are arguing that means in long-term and that it’s misleading to characterize it as short-term. Both accuse other of being unscientific

Berthold gets standing O as new QC lieutenant. Repeats same points then pivots to provinces’ demands for more helath transfer. LeBlanc contends that these talks with premiers have been productive and ongoing (which the premiers dispute)

Tories’ recent deputy whip James Bezan is way back from the front bench to the third, next to Leslyn Lewis.

Speaking of Leslyn Lewis, she rises to ask about labour market and “get off the backs of ordinary Canadians … allow Canadians to thrive” which I assume is about rising payments or inflation. Freeland says it’s “bit rich” and touts COVID benefits.

The Speaker has asked MPs to keep masks on when not addressing House, for their safety, and yet I can see a handful of MPs with lips flapping on both sides of House

So, not the biggest issue but 6/8 most prominent seats in Liberal bench are empty (PM absent likely with COVID, but not Zooming; Freeland zooming; Champagne, Anand, Lametti, Rodriguez absent) and they have had a few lags figuring out who takes a question before picking Holland

So, Cheryl Gallant ended a Q with saying it’s time to “end the mandates” and it was interesting because 10 MPs stood and clapped which shows you a bit of which ones lean that way; I saw Cooper, Steinley, Goodridge, Strahl. Other MPs have implied they want gradual repeal/rebalance

At the risk of being obsessive over Manitoba’s 14 MPs, Bergen is wearing reading glasses while doing paperwork and I have never seen her in glasses before.