The Opposition Conservatives are using another opportunity they get this week to set the Commons agenda to propose a motion; this one calling for a sweeping investigation of the government’s handling of COVID-19.

The minority Liberals survived a confidence vote yesterday thanks to the support from the NDP and Green Party.

Tory Leader Erin O’Toole says while he continues to have no confidence in the government, it does not mean every issue must trigger a confidence vote, adding the new motion is not intended to force one.

O’Toole says if the Liberals want to play political games it’s up to them but what he wants is a better response to the pandemic.

”Canadians deserve a government that learns the lessons and mistakes from the first wave,” adds the Conservative leader. 

The motion would instruct the Commons Health Committee to look at:

Rapid and at-home testing approvals and procurement processes to reduce waiting lines,

Vaccine development and protocol for its distribution,

A review of federal public health guidelines and data being used to inform government decisions,

A review of long-term care facility COVID-19 protocols under federal jurisdiction,

The availability of PPE in Canada and a review of Canada’s emergency PPE stockpile from 2015 to today,

The impact of this government’s use of WHO advice to delay closing borders and delay recommending the wearing of masks,

And, importantly, the reasons why and the eventual impact of closing Canada’s early warning system, the GPHIN (Global Public Health Intelligence Network).

While the motion will be debated today, it will not be put to a vote until Monday. 

It has the support of the NDP and Bloc Quebecois, but a spokesperson for the government house leader says the minority Liberals will not consider the vote a matter of confidence, meaning its passage won’t pose a threat to triggering a snap election.