NDP Hamilton MP gets job back after backing Conservative motion

Hamilton MP David Christopherson is getting one of his jobs back on Parliament Hill after being briefly relieved of his duties.

The leader of the federal New Democrats stripped Christopherson of his role as vice-chair of the powerful Procedure and House Affairs Committee after he broke from party ranks to vote in favour of a Conservative motion.

The motion condemned the Liberals’ new policy requiring any group applying for funding under the Canada Summer Jobs program to state that its core mandate respects charter rights, including a woman’s right to have an abortion.

1:09 Conservatives, Liberals trade jabs over Canada Summer Jobs program attestation

• Conservatives, Liberals trade jabs over Canada Summer Jobs program attestation
• Trudeau says no religious group will be barred from summer jobs grant
• Roman Catholic Diocese calls for changes to Canada Summer Jobs application

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Christopherson said he couldn’t support what he believes is an unconstitutional policy that requires churches and other religious groups to put aside their beliefs to qualify for funding.

Other top New Democrats have since come to Christopherson’s defence, and NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has now announced he’s decided to return Christopherson to his role as vice-chair.

– with files from The Canadian Press