Senator Plett Apologizes for Angry Outburst Towards Female Senators During Heated Carbon Pricing Debate
• Conservative Senator Don Plett apologized after an angry outburst directed at two female senators during a debate on a carbon pricing bill. He admitted he "lost his cool" and his behavior was "unprofessional" and "unbecoming."
• Senators Saint-Germain and Clement accused Plett of physical intimidation and verbal harassment when one sought to adjourn debate on an amendment. They said Plett threw his earpiece and angrily berated them.
• The incident happened amid heated debate over a Conservative private member's bill to exempt propane and natural gas used by farmers from carbon pricing.
• Saint-Germain argued Plett breached her privileges as a senator. Plett disputed that it qualified as a breach of privilege.
• Pleas for the bill have put pressure on senators, as Conservatives accuse them of conspiring with Liberals to kill it. Plett questioned Environment Minister Guilbeault's intent in calls to senators.