NDP PUNISHES MP AFTER HE BACKS TORY SUMMER JOBS MOTION

The NDP punished one of its MPs for voting against party lines on a motion condemning the government’s new requirements for Canada Summer Jobs grants. David Christopherson, pictured, will no longer serve as deputy chair of the powerful procedure and House affairs committee, the party confirmed. Although the party was hesitant to confirm a link, the move appears to be a direct conse- quence of Christopherson’s decision earlier this week to vote against his caucus and support a Conservative motion. The motion protested a new funding prerequisite that groups applying for Canada Summer Jobs grants attest that their core mandate respects rights and freedoms, including abortion rights. Christopherson said he was defending the public’s right to dissent.