Liberal MP Anthony Housefather has announced that he will remain a member of the Liberal caucus, despite facing criticism for his handling of a recent committee meeting.
In a statement released on Monday, Housefather addressed the controversy surrounding his decision to end a committee meeting early, which resulted in opposition MPs accusing him of trying to cover up the testimony of a former Liberal staffer.
“I want to make it clear that my intention was not to silence anyone or hide any information,” Housefather stated. “I simply believed that the committee had completed its work for the day and that further discussion would not have been productive.”
Housefather also acknowledged that he could have handled the situation better and apologized for any confusion or frustration caused by his actions.
“I take my role as a member of parliament and chair of the committee very seriously,” he said. “I will continue to work towards ensuring transparency and accountability in all of my duties.”
Despite calls for his resignation from opposition parties, Housefather has received support from his Liberal colleagues, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“Anthony has been a dedicated and hardworking member of our caucus and I have full confidence in his abilities,” Trudeau said in a statement. “I know he will continue to serve his constituents and all Canadians with integrity and professionalism.”
Housefather’s decision to remain in the Liberal caucus has been met with mixed reactions, with some praising his commitment to his party and others questioning his judgment.
However, Housefather remains steadfast in his determination to move forward and continue his work as a member of parliament.
“I am committed to serving my constituents and working towards a better Canada for all,” he concluded. “I will continue to learn from this experience and strive to do better in the future.”
