Article content continued

How the hell is that fair? How does that come anywhere near what you promised in the campaign?

His colleague Blake Richards said the Liberals’ attempt to use the committee to push changes through is “disgusting and pathetic.”

In an unusual move Tuesday, Liberals repeatedly blocked opposition attempts to delay the motion, including extending the committee meeting — which was otherwise supposed to be hearing from Elections Canada officials, who were dismissed — well beyond its scheduled time. The committee was still sitting by the time question period began Wednesday.

NDP MP David Christopherson made much ado about the fact opposition MPs were not given the time to bring the Liberals’ proposals to a caucus meeting — the next one is Wednesday — and asked if debate could at least be delayed until the committee’s next meeting on Thursday.

As debate extended into question period, without reaching a vote, Christopherson heckled, “you clowns think you can pull this off? Really?”

“This is not a good day for Liberal promises,” he shouted earlier. The Liberals had promised to work more collaboratively and openly with other parties, but instead are trying to use their majority to change rules that will have a major effect all members of parliament, he said. “How the hell is that fair? How does that come anywhere near what you promised in the campaign?”

According to the Liberal motion presented Tuesday by MP Scott Simms, the government wants a witness list within seven days and a report, complete with recommendations, by June. Meanwhile, Democratic Institutions minister Karina Gould has asked the same committee to fast-track another study, on electoral reform, to inform fall legislation.