Article content

Nothing sums up this government’s unique fusion of cant and artifice as neatly as the ousting of Conservative MP Rachael Harder as chair of the status of women committee, voted out by the Liberals Tuesday on the grounds of her anti-abortion views.

In their first throne speech, the Liberals pledged to respect diversity and differences of opinion in Parliament.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or John Ivison: Ousting of anti-abortion committee chair an act of blatant Liberal hypocrisy Back to video

“In this Parliament, all members will be honoured, respected and heard wherever they sit. For here, in these chambers, the voices of all Canadians matter,” said the speech, delivered by the Governor General, which outlined the government’s priorities.

In the event, David Johnston should have added a caveat: “Except if you disagree with the Prime Minister. Then you will be shamed, disdained and silenced.”

On Tuesday, the Liberals, aided and abetted by the New Democrats, imposed the committee chair’s role on a pro-choice Conservative MP, Karen Vecchio, who didn’t even want the job. She was nominated, but she asked to withdrawn from that nomination. Her withdrawal would have required the consent of the Liberal- and NDP-dominated committee. She didn’t get it. (The status of women committee chair is always a member of the official opposition, according to House standing orders).