NDP calls out Conservative MP ‘no show’ at parliamentary visit to Washington
New Democrats have criticized Conservative MPs for their absence during a crucial diplomatic visit to Washington this week. Canadian parliamentarians, including MPs and senators, visited Capitol Hill to meet with American lawmakers and business leaders as part of Parliament’s efforts to navigate the U.S.-Canada trade war.
In a social media post, NDP MP Brian Masse highlighted the absence of Conservative MPs during the visit, noting that they had the most spots allocated for the delegation. Masse, who represents the border riding of Windsor West, expressed disappointment at the lack of Conservative representation, emphasizing the need for a unified “Team Canada” approach in dealing with the trade dispute.
During an interview with CBC News, Masse stressed the importance of having all parties on board to effectively advocate for Canadian interests in Washington. He criticized the Conservatives for their past rhetoric about Canada and emphasized the significance of presenting a united front in discussions with U.S. officials.
Masse is a member of the Canada-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Group, a non-partisan organization that regularly engages with the U.S. Congress on bilateral issues. He, along with Liberal MP John McKay, serves as a vice-chair of the group and expressed disappointment over the absence of Conservative MPs on the trip.
McKay noted that while a Conservative senator attended the visit, having MPs present would have enhanced the delegation’s effectiveness, particularly in engaging with Republican lawmakers. He underscored the value of parliamentary diplomacy and emphasized the importance of elected officials connecting with their counterparts in the U.S.
Despite the absence of Conservative MPs, McKay praised the efforts of Canadian diplomats in Washington and highlighted their diligent work in advancing Canadian interests. However, he reiterated the belief that elected officials have a unique ability to engage with their counterparts in a meaningful way.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s office did not provide a response regarding the absence of Conservative MPs on the trip. However, a party spokesperson directed attention to Poilievre’s plan to protect the Canadian economy from tariffs, which includes measures to reduce taxes and support affected workers.
Overall, the absence of Conservative MPs during the diplomatic visit to Washington has drawn criticism from New Democrats and raised questions about the party’s commitment to advocating for Canadian interests on the international stage. The importance of presenting a united front and engaging with U.S. officials in a coordinated manner has been underscored as Canada navigates the challenges posed by the ongoing trade dispute.
