Liberals want to ban calling Trudeau corrupt

TCS Wire

Free speech isn’t doing too well in Canada. On Friday, in response to PM Justin Trudeau and his government being called ‘corrupt’ repeatedly over their many, many scandals and ethics violations, Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen asked the Speaker of the House to consider a ban on the word.

Liberal MP Mark Gerretsen has proposed banning calling Justin Trudeau corrupt to “improve decorum” in the House of Commons.

Free speech isn’t doing too well in Canada. On Friday, in response to PM Justin Trudeau and his government being called ‘corrupt’ repeatedly over their many, many scandals and ethics violations, rather than reflecting on the state of their party and the activities they engage in, Liberal MP and Deputy House Leader Mark Gerretsen instead asked the Speaker of the House to consider a ban on the word.

“My point is that, today, during question period, the member for Regina—Wascana referred to the Prime Minister as “corrupt” and to the government as “corrupt”. Although he did it today, it has been done a number of times in the House. I would say that terminology specifically goes against Standing Order 18,” Gerretsen said.

At this point, Gerretsen was interrupted, with Conservatives yelling debate—an offer which Gerretsen rejected.

Standing Order 18 states that no Member of Parliament shall speak disrespectfully of the Sovereign, Royal Family, Governor General, other Members of Parliament, or the person administering the government of Canada (i.e., the Prime Minister).

In other words, MPs should try to keep decorum and can’t falsely slander someone. However, there’s nothing in there about saying something about someone that is undeniably true.