Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Apologizes for Elbowing Opposition MP
It is unclear how things will turn out in Canada's House of Commons but many MPs suggest that Trudeau be mindful next time of his actions to avoid adding to the damage.
On Thursday, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized to the House of Commons after a controversial and tension-filled confrontation occurred in the House Wednesday afternoon.
According to CBC News, the technically young Canadian leader offered a lengthy apology to the law makers. "I regret it deeply, I made a mistake and I am apologizing and I am asking members to understand how contrite and how regretful I am with my behavior," he said.
While Trudeau received a huge round of applause and standing ovation from the Liberal party, a few Conservatives and New Democrats recognized the 44-year-old leader's apology. John McKay was among the members who offered a few words and a pat on the arm to the troubled Minister.
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Interim Conservative head Rona Ambrose said the events that took place on Wednesday was "very unsettling for everyone in this chamber," while Conservative MP Candice Bergen questioned Trudeau's temperament. Conservative MP Kellie Leitch also added that Trudeau was "bullying," and Conservative MP Michael Cooper said the Prime Minister's actions were equivalent to "criminal assault."
According to CNN, the meeting comes after the members gathered for a vote on an assisted-dying bill that has been controversial in the Canadian government. Seemingly impatient for the voting to begin, a video uploaded by CBC The National shows Trudeau getting on his feet and approaching Opposition whip Gordon Brown. Brown seems to be trying to get past some other MPs but he can't find a way through.
Trudeau passes by the chatting MPs, grabs Brown by the arm to lead him to his seat, and in the process, accidentally elbows New Democrat Party MP Ruth Ellen Brosseau. After Trudeau gets Brown out of the group, Brosseau is seen furiously telling other MPs about the elbowing incident.
Brosseau walks out and Trudeau approaches the group again. New Democrat Party MP Tom Mulcair starts yelling as Trudeau appears to follow Brosseau, who was apparently upset. "What kind of man elbows a woman?" Mulcair shouts at the Prime Minister. Trudeau approaches Mulcair as the latter continues in rage: "It's pathetic. You're pathetic." Due to the loud voices of both Trudeau and Mulcair, plus the rest of the members trying to intervene, the discussion can't properly be heard.
It is unclear how things will turn out in Canada's House of Commons but many MPs suggest that Trudeau be mindful next time of his actions to avoid adding to the damage.
