PM Carney won’t take up Trudeau’s Wednesday question period tradition

Prime Minister Mark Carney made his debut in question period on Wednesday, marking a significant moment in his new role. However, he decided not to continue the tradition set by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of answering all questions on Wednesdays.

Trudeau had implemented this practice as a way to increase accountability within the House of Commons. By allowing all Members of Parliament to pose questions directly to the Prime Minister, Trudeau aimed to promote transparency and open dialogue within the chamber.

A source from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that Carney will not be following suit. While Trudeau believed in the importance of all MPs having the opportunity to engage with the Prime Minister, Carney has chosen a different approach.

There was some controversy surrounding Trudeau’s decision back in 2017, with concerns raised about the potential for him to evade questions on other days of the week. Despite these reservations, Trudeau remained committed to the practice throughout his tenure.

The first question period of the spring legislative session took place on Wednesday, following the election of House Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia and the reading of the throne speech by King Charles. It will be interesting to see how Carney navigates this new dynamic and interacts with members of the House in the coming weeks.

Overall, the decision to break from tradition highlights the unique leadership style of Prime Minister Carney and sets the stage for a distinct approach to governance. As he settles into his role, Canadians will be watching closely to see how he continues to engage with parliament and the public.