The government defends Carney's absence from some question sessions in parliament

Ottawa —
The leader of the government in the House of Commons, Stephen McKinnon, defended Prime Minister Mark Carney's absence from several parliamentary question sessions, affirming that this does not reflect a decline in his respect for the parliamentary institution or the role of accountability within the House of Commons.

McKinnon said that Carney holds a "deep respect for Parliament," noting that the Prime Minister continues to perform his governmental and parliamentary duties within a busy schedule that includes domestic and foreign files.

His statements came in response to criticism from the opposition, which considered that Carney's absence from question sessions limits the opportunities for his direct accountability before the MPs, especially amid sensitive issues including the economy, housing, and the cost of living.

The opposition sees the question session as one of the most important tools of parliamentary oversight over the government, and that the Prime Minister's attendance carries political and symbolic importance, especially during periods when the government faces increasing pressures.

On the other hand, the government affirms that accountability is not limited to the Prime Minister attending every session, and that ministers answer questions within their competencies, while Carney continues to participate in the work of Parliament and government according to the requirements of his agenda.

The controversy reflects a broader disagreement about the concept of political accountability and the limits of the attendance required from the Prime Minister in the House of Commons, at a time when the opposition seeks to turn the issue into a point of pressure on Carney's government.