Liberals plan motion to secure majority on House committees, MacKinnon says

Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon says the Liberal government will move to change House of Commons procedures to ensure it holds a majority of votes on parliamentary committees.

MacKinnon said Tuesday the planned motion would adjust committee composition rules so governing party MPs have the numbers needed to advance legislation and studies. He argued that committees should reflect the governing party’s mandate and avoid what he described as “partisan games” that delay work.

The proposal comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals seek to consolidate control of the parliamentary agenda following recent byelection gains. Those newly elected MPs have not yet been sworn in, meaning current committee balances do not yet reflect the party’s updated seat count.

Opposition Conservatives have criticized the planned changes, calling them a “cynical power grab” that could limit scrutiny of government legislation and committee investigations.

MacKinnon rejected concerns that the government would use a committee majority to fast-track bills without adequate review, saying the intent is to ensure Parliament can function efficiently while still debating legislation.