Immigration Minister Marc Miller shared some choice words for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre on Thursday, telling him to “grow a pair” during an exchange in the House of Commons.
Miller made the remark following a question from Poilievre regarding US President-elect Donald Trump’s promise to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada in January if immigration and drug concerns are not addressed.
Poilievre asked Miller what his course of action was to restore order at the border and prevent economic action from the US.
“According to [Miller’s] department, there are half a million people here illegally, all of whom could be tempted to go south of the border, provoking a massive retaliatory response. So once again, what’s the plan to fix what he broke?” stated Poilievre.
Miller responded by taking a jab at Poilievre for not getting the security clearance required to see classified documents to find out the names of Conservative MPs allegedly involved in foreign interference.
“Mr. Speaker, we’ll tweet out the video of him pandering to people, entertaining false hope, promising visas to everyone, promising they won’t get deported. Worse than that….he’s refusing to get his security clearance,” said Miller.
The minister continued saying Poilievre “needs to grow a pair” and “get the briefing.”
The comments were met with cheers and jeers in the House, and Speaker Greg Fergus called on Miller to withdraw his comments.
The minister complied but took another dig at the leader of the opposition.
“On a day like this, I would say he is all flannel and no axe,” concluded Miller.
Poilievre then stood to provide his response.
“Mr. Speaker, once again it shows the erratic, out-of-control government we have over there,” he stated, accusing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of “hiding from questions” and Miller of “losing control of his words and his mind.”
“This is a government that is falling to pieces,” added Poilievre.
Daily Hive reached out to Miller’s office about whether he was planning to apologize for his remarks.
“The minister withdrew his comment during Question Period – we won’t comment further,” Miller’s press secretary told Daily Hive.