Scheer Accuses Liberals of 'Backroom Deals and Pressure Tactics'
Conservative House Leader Andrew Scheer criticized the Liberals on Friday, accusing them of using “backroom deals and pressure tactics” to encourage opposition members to cross the floor and help secure a majority government without calling a new election.
Speaking to reporters outside the House, Scheer said the government was trying to “distract” from what he called a “terrible budget that is being almost universally panned.”
Floor-Crossing Rumours and Resignation of Matt Jeneroux
Scheer declined to confirm whether outgoing Conservative MP Matt Jeneroux met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and other Liberals earlier in the week before announcing his likely resignation from the House of Commons next spring.
“I take Matt Jeneroux at his word. I do not take unnamed Liberal sources. I do not respond to rumours.”
Recent Parliamentary Developments on the Budget
The Conservative leader's remarks came just before a vote where Conservatives joined Liberals to defeat a Bloc Québécois amendment to the budget motion, which sought stronger action on climate change and more support for Quebeckers.
Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon stated that all budget-related votes were considered confidence matters, meaning a loss could have triggered an election.
Additionally, a Conservative subamendment demanding the removal of the industrial carbon tax and clean fuel regulations was defeated on Thursday.
Summary
Andrew Scheer accuses the Liberals of political manipulation to maintain power amid a controversial budget, while parliamentary votes reveal tensions over climate policies and government stability.
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