Liberal MP’s private member’s bill will test backbenchers’ willingness to exercise free votes

London MP Peter Fragiskatos' bill would add torture offence by private citizens to the Criminal Code, but the government says it’s ‘symbolic’, and ‘not necessary.’

Liberal MPs Ron McKinnon and Peter Fragiskatos both have private members' bills before House committees. While the government is behind Mr. McKinnon's so-called Good Samaritan Drug Overdose initiative, the justice minister's parliamentary secretary has spoken out against Mr. Fragiskatos' torture bill. The Hill Times photograph by Jake Wright, and photograph courtesy of Parliament

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BY RACHEL AIELLO

August 1, 2016

Government backbenchers' ability to exercise their independence by voting against the party line could soon face its first real test this fall when the House returns. The government has come out strongly against Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos’ (London North Centre, Ont.) private member’s bill, wh...

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