The federal Liberals have recently gained control of parliamentary committees and are opting to conduct business in private sessions. Liberal members from four committees – ethics, health, science, and transport – have chosen to go in camera for government proceedings, effectively preventing opposition MPs from discussing these actions publicly. This move has been criticized by Conservatives as anti-democratic, with concerns raised about reduced accountability. At the veterans affairs committee, Liberal members voted on main estimates and abruptly adjourned, cutting short debate on a Conservative motion regarding the 2025 budget’s impact on veterans.
In a separate incident, the science and research committee went in camera to discuss “drafting instructions,” hindering Conservative efforts to investigate a $200-million federal agreement related to Spaceport Nova Scotia. The ethics committee also went in camera after a Conservative motion regarding the prime minister’s ethics screen, while the transport committee adjourned debate on the Port of Montreal expansion motion before moving behind closed doors.
Similarly, the health committee was shifted to a private session during talks about examining the $300-million PrescribeIT program, which aimed to modernize doctors’ offices but reportedly has low usage rates. Conservative Health critic Dan Mazier expressed disappointment over the cameras being turned off during these discussions.
Despite the criticism, government House leader Steven MacKinnon defended the Liberals’ actions, stating that committees are permitted to go in camera for confidential and contractual matters. He emphasized that committee work is progressing smoothly overall, with the majority of committees operating cooperatively with all parties involved. The Liberals’ recent parliamentary majority decision has allowed them to restructure committees and assume greater control over the proceedings.