Ottawa
Free votes
As votes that transcend party lines are rare and social issues are generally the most difficult to navigate, a pair of recent private member’s bills to note.
Bill C-389, introduced by the NDP’s Bill Siksay to address rights for the transgendered, passed last week by a count of 143-131. The yeas included five Conservatives, the nays two Liberals.
Bill C-510, introduced by Conservative Rod Bruinooge to add coercing abortion to the Criminal Code, was defeated this by a count of 178 to 97. The Conservative side was split, while 10 Liberals voted in favour.