Ministers on Bloc deadline, Israel ban of UNRWA, high-speed rail line – October 29, 2024
Ministers speak briefly with reporters on Parliament Hill before the federal cabinet holds its weekly meeting. Karina Gould (government House leader), Randy Boissonnault (employment), Jonathan Wilkinson (natural resources), Jean-Yves Duclos (public services), Soraya Martinez Ferrada (tourism) and Steven MacKinnon (labour) face questions on the lapse of the Bloc Québécois’ deadline to pass two of its private member’s bills to ensure its continued support of the minority Liberal government.
Mélanie Joly (foreign affairs) and Ahmed Hussen (international development) comment on the Israel’s decision to ban UNRWA, the United Nations relief agency for Palestinian refugees, from providing assistance to Palestinians in the country.
Joly also discusses the upcoming U.S. election and the future of bilateral relations between Canada and the United States.
Arif Virani (justice) faces questions on the federal government’s move to launch consultations about the expansion of medical assistance in dying to include advance requests.
Duclos, Wilkinson, Boissonnault, Virani and Ferrada comment as well on unrest within their party’s caucus following calls from more than 20 Liberal MPs asking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down as Liberal leader before the next election.
Pascale St-Onge (heritage) responds to questions on the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) decision to grant Google a five-year exemption from the Online News Act and ordering the tech giant to pay Canadian news outlets.
Anita Anand (Treasury Board president, transport) and Duclos comment on reports that the federal government will announce a high-speed rail line between Quebec City and Toronto.
Steven Guilbeault (environment) discusses the Ontario government’s announcement that it will provide a $200 rebate to all eligible taxpayers to offset the high cost of living.
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