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By Mark Kennedy

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose government has been promising greater civility in the House of Commons, on Monday missed the first question period of the new Parliament.

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Mr. Harper was visiting the flood-devastated Richelieu Valley region of Quebec in the morning and was not in the House in time for the beginning of the daily grilling from opposition parties in question period.

In Quebec, Mr. Harper pledged financial aid to help the province pay for flood mitigation efforts, and also promised to fast-track employment insurance for area residents.

But the Official opposition wasn’t impressed by his absence from the House.

“On the first day of work, people expect you to show up,” said NDP caucus whip Chris Charlton.

“If you want to restore Canadians’ confidence in Parliament, then the leadership has to come from the top.”

Related Harper pledges funding for Quebec flood repair

She said NDP leader Jack Layton has made a commitment to improve the decorum and improve civility in the Commons, and that “it’s incumbent upon the prime minister to do his part in that as well.”