Less than a week after the federal Liberals gained control of parliamentary committees, they have opted to conduct proceedings in private, shutting out opposition MPs from public discussion. Liberal members at four committees—ethics, health, science, and transport—have requested to go in camera for government business, disabling the cameras and hindering open debate. The Conservatives have criticized this move as undemocratic.
At the veterans affairs committee, Liberal members swiftly voted on main estimates and abruptly adjourned the meeting, effectively preventing further discussion on a Conservative motion to investigate the impacts of the 2025 budget on veterans. Despite objections from Conservatives, the chair shut down any opportunity for a vote on the matter.
Subsequently, the science and research committee convened behind closed doors following a Liberal request to proceed with drafting instructions for a study. Meanwhile, the Conservatives aimed to address a motion concerning a $200-million federal agreement related to Spaceport Nova Scotia near Canso, N.S., and its implications for Canada’s space industry.
In a similar fashion, the ethics committee went in camera after a Conservative motion sought regular updates from the Privy Council Office on the prime minister’s ethics screen. The transport committee also adjourned debate on a motion regarding documents linked to the Port of Montreal expansion before moving behind closed doors.
Moreover, discussions at the health committee regarding an investigation into the $300-million PrescribeIT program were halted as Liberal MP Maggie Chi voted to turn off the cameras. The Conservatives, including Health critic Dan Mazier, raised concerns about the lack of transparency in these decisions.
Government House leader Steven MacKinnon defended the Liberals’ control of committees, denying any misuse of in camera sessions. He emphasized the importance of confidentiality in discussing certain matters and highlighted the overall cooperation among parties in committee work. MacKinnon assured that committees would continue their operations smoothly despite the recent controversies.
