The Current

Trudeau apologizes after 'manhandling' Conservative and elbowing NDP MP in House of Commons

Trudeau grabbed an Opposition whip by the arm and appears to elbow another MP in the House of Commons.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau apologized for his conduct following an incident in the House, May 18, when he pulled Conservative whip Gord Brown through a clutch of New Democrat MPs to hurry up a vote related to doctor-assisted dying. (Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

Read story transcript

On the morning of May 18, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau offered a second apology for physically assaulting two MPs in the House of Commons Wednesday afternoon.

(CBC)

Video reveals Prime Minister Trudeau walking briskly across the floor towards Opposition whip Gord Brown and grabbing him by the arm. In the process, Trudeau encounters Brosseau, who was seen physically reacting after the contact.

Conservatives claim this event was a symptom of a Liberal ethos to suppress debate in parliament — a criticism that was waged against the previous government by the Liberals.

The NDP say they have noticed this parallel and agree with the Conservatives that an apology by Trudeau is insufficient.  

On The Current, CBC national affairs editor Chris Hall explains the context of this altercation, and the likely fallout for the Liberals.  

This segment was produced by The Current's Pacinthe Mattar.