Canadian committees close doors after Liberal majority

OTTAWA - Liberal members of Canada's House of Commons health and ethics committees moved meetings to closed-door sessions within minutes of convening on Tuesday, shortly after gaining a majority with the addition of new government MPs.

The shift occurred at both committees as they welcomed the new Liberal members, tipping the balance in the government's favor. Conservative MPs, now in the minority, accused the Liberals of curtailing public debate immediately upon securing control.

At the health committee, Conservative health critic Dan Mazier had proposed requesting an audit by the auditor general into the PrescribeIT program, a $300 million initiative slated for termination next month. The program aimed to modernize physicians' offices by reducing reliance on outdated technology such as fax machines for prescribing medications. However, reports indicate it has seen limited adoption.

Liberal committee members invoked their majority to end the open proceedings and proceed in camera, limiting public and media access to the discussions. A similar move unfolded at the ethics committee, though specific agenda items there were not detailed.

The actions drew immediate criticism from...