Canadian PM Apologises For Elbowing Female MP

Justin Trudeau inadvertently elbowed a female MP in parliament as he jostled with politicians ahead of a crucial vote.

The Canadian Prime Minister has apologised "unreservedly" after he was seen appearing to elbow a female opposition member as he waded through a group of politicians in parliament.

Footage from the country's House of Commons television feed showed Justin Trudeau pulling a man through the crowd as he tried to get a vote started.

As the PM turns around, opposition member Ruth Ellen Brousseau can be seen grimacing in pain.

Mr Trudeau, a boxer and former bar bouncer, later addressed parliament and said he did not intend to hurt anyone.


Justin Trudeau apologised after the incident in the House of Commons

But said he thought the man was being impeded as he walked up the aisle of the chamber and wanted to help him to speed up the vote.

He said: "I admit that I came in physical contact with a number of members as I extended my arm, including someone behind me whom I did not see.

"I certainly did not intend to offend or impact on anyone. I apologise for that unreservedly and I look for opportunities to make amends."

Ms Brousseau said she had to leave the chamber after the incident on Wednesday.

Opposition New Democrat member Peter Julian called it a "pretty violent push".

Conservative politician Andrew Scheer, who was sitting across from Mr Trudeau, said: "He was motivated by anger and lost his temper."

Thomas Mulcair, leader of the New Democrat Party, shouted "what kind of man elbows a woman" in the chamber.

Tempers have been running high as the Canadian government pushes through a motion to limit debate on its euthanasia legislation.

Elizabeth May, leader of the Green party, said that New Democrats may have been milling around to delay the vote.

She said: "It was most unwise of the prime minister to attempt to move along the vote.

"But the second contact with my friend (Ms Brosseau), which is certainly the one that was the most emotional for the member involved, was clearly, from my perspective ... unintentional."

The speaker of the house concluded that Ms Brosseau's privileges as a member of parliament had been breached, which means the altercation will be examined by an all-party committee.