New government House leader sworn in. What are his priorities? – National | 24CA News
Liberal MP Steven MacKinnon was sworn in as authorities House chief Monday at Rideau Hall, outlining his priorities for what he referred to as a “consequential session of Parliament.”
MacKinnon represents Gatineau, Que., and was the federal government’s former chief whip. He’s taking up briefly from Karina Gould, who went on maternity go away final week. The Liberal MP from Burlington, Ont., is anticipating her second little one this month.
In his new position, MacKinnon will likely be liable for managing the federal government’s day-to-day business within the House of Commons and dealing with the legislative agenda.
While talking to reporters in Ottawa, MacKinnon stated passing pharmacare laws is a high “priority” when the House returns on Jan. 29.
“Canadians are looking for relief and a more filled-in safety net when it comes to pharmaceuticals,” MacKinnon stated. “This is something we treat with the utmost importance.”
Pharmacare is a core pillar of the NDP and Liberals’ provide and confidence settlement, wanted to maintain the minority Liberals in energy till 2025.
The deadline to desk pharmacare laws was pushed again to March 1, 2024. It was alleged to cross earlier than the tip of 2023, however the events haven’t been capable of attain a consensus on a framework for a deal.
Other items of laws are additionally caught in a holding sample, together with a invoice to power operators of crucial infrastructure to extend safety within the face of rising on-line threats.
MacKinnon stated the Liberals may have “a lot more to say” because the session unfolds, however added Canadians can anticipate a heavy concentrate on housing affordability and growing competitors within the grocery sector.
“We remain laser-focused on those issues,” he stated.
But there are issues that deepening partisan bickering is drowning out necessary conversations concerning the “issues.”
In an interview with Global News final month, a number of exiting MPs shared their views on the state of Canadian politics and described a “toxic atmosphere.”
MacKinnon vowed to work with opposition events in his new position and strike a extra constructive tone.
“I would agree. The climate and the atmosphere inside the House of Commons is not one that I would recommend to people as a workplace,” he stated when requested concerning the report.
“We can do better. There’s no question we can do better.”
MacKinnon insists each celebration must discover ways to discover frequent floor.
“What we won’t tolerate is opposition without alternative,” stated MacKinnon, referring to when the Conservatives pressured a marathon session in Parliament final month to protest the carbon worth.
“I think Canadians quite rightly throw up their hands at these kinds of tactics,” he stated.
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