Speaker schedules opposition motions after Tories block own non-confidence vote

House of Commons Speaker Rules Opposition Business to Happen Later this Week

In a surprising turn of events, the House of Commons Speaker Greg Fergus has intervened to break a parliamentary impasse by scheduling opposition business for Thursday and Friday. This decision comes after the Conservatives blocked their own motion to bring down the government on Monday morning, signaling a potential non-confidence vote looming.

The parliamentary deadlock stemmed from a filibuster that has been ongoing for nearly two months, consuming much of the Commons’ time. Liberal House leader Karina Gould’s attempt to halt the filibuster was unsuccessful, prompting the Conservatives to consider introducing a non-confidence motion based on NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh’s criticism of the Liberals.

However, the Conservatives rejected Gould’s proposal to hear the motion immediately, insisting on the release of documents they are demanding from the Liberals or a commitment from the NDP to vote non-confidence in the government.

The filibuster is tied to a privilege debate over the Conservative’s request for unredacted documents related to alleged misspending at a green technology fund. As per parliamentary rules, opposition parties must be given four days to introduce their motions before the December 10 deadline, which coincides with the House’s vote on approving crucial spending measures.

This latest development comes after two Conservative non-confidence motions were defeated in September, with the Bloc Québécois and the NDP siding against them. The Bloc, in particular, has expressed willingness to collaborate with other opposition parties to bring down the government following the Liberals’ rejection of a bill to increase old age security payments for seniors under 75.

Bloc Leader Yves-François Blanchet emphasized that the party’s decision to support non-confidence motions will be based on what is deemed best for Quebec’s interests. Meanwhile, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has stated that his party will approach each non-confidence vote strategically, highlighting their readiness for an election while avoiding immediate push for one.