The federal Minister for Women, Marci Ien, has declined to comment on the recent controversy that unfolded during a House of Commons committee meeting intended to address violence against women. Instead of focusing on the issue, the meeting devolved into a political dispute, leaving witnesses Megan Walker and Cait Alexander disheartened and leading them to call for immediate action.
The incident, which occurred last week, saw Liberal MP Anita Vandenbeld shift the committee’s focus to a debate on abortion rights, prompting frustration from the witnesses who were there to discuss domestic violence. Vandenbeld later explained in an opinion piece that she was attempting to counter what she described as procedural tactics by Conservative MPs that were disrupting the committee’s work.
Vandenbeld acknowledged that her actions added to the trauma of the witnesses and apologized for the harm caused. However, she also expressed concerns about the increasing dysfunction in parliamentary committees and the targeting of those who attempt to maintain order.
In response to the fallout, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre condemned the events and called for the committee to be reconvened so that victims could have their voices heard. Meanwhile, Conservative MP Michelle Ferreri criticized Vandenbeld for focusing on her own experience in her op-ed rather than addressing the pain inflicted on the witnesses.
Despite the mounting criticism, Minister Ien has remained silent on the specifics of the incident, issuing only a broad statement about the government’s commitment to combating gender-based violence and defending women’s reproductive rights.
The situation has sparked a wider debate about the conduct of MPs and the importance of maintaining focus on critical issues like domestic violence within parliamentary committees.