Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages Minister Randy Boissonnault speaks during a news conference, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 in Ottawa.The report states Anderson failed to provide documents ordered by the committee on two occasions and refused to answer questions posed by MPs during his July testimony. It did not make a specific recommendation for the House to find Anderson in contempt.
The Edmonton Centre MP denies he was involved with the medical supply company after he was re-elected in 2021 and said he has followed ethics rules. He is scheduled to testify before the ethics committee for a second time on the matter this Thursday. After what some MPs called Anderson’s “unbelievable” testimony, the committee passed a motion ordering him to provide the name, as well the other outstanding phone and text message records, and written answers to questions he did not answer.
The House also has the authority to discipline or admonish anyone found to be in contempt, though that power is rarely used.Conservatives will get 1st chance to try to topple Liberal government next weekMPs may raise a matter of privilege if they feel their parliamentary privilege — that is, their right to fulfil their functions unimpeded — has been infringed upon.
Since Barrett’s question of privilege is under advisement, the Speaker must now decide whether Anderson appears to be in contempt and if the matter should take priority over all other House business.and should take precedence, the House will consider the matter immediately. Barrett will then move his motion to find Anderson in contempt.