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Liberals’ sparse House presence a ‘model’ for Canadians, says Whip Holland
By Alice Chen February 3, 2021
While the Government Whip declined to share the Liberals' exact physical attendance figures for the sitting, dedicated Question Period watcher Dale Smith says only one or two Grits were present for the first few days back.
The House of Commons, pictured empty on June 4, 2020, has been outfitted with large video screens and capabilities to allow Members to take part in hybrid in-person and virtual sittings. This equipment has been well-used in a return to House that marked low physical attendance from the recognized parties. The Hill Times photograph by Andrew Meade
MPs’ sparse attendance in the House of Commons, especially in the Liberal benches, since the start of the winter sitting is being done with an aim to set a good example for public health measures, say some MPs. However, critics say the government’s meagre showing of having at times a solitary MP in the House “virtue signalling.”
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