'I'm right here, bro': Singh, Poilievre have tense exchange during question period

Tensions escalated between NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre during a heated question period on Thursday, with Singh at one point stepping into the aisle to confront the Conservative leader.

Poilievre used his first round of questions to criticize both the Bloc Québécois and the NDP for their decision not to support a non-confidence motion aimed at bringing down the Liberal government.

In his fifth question, Poilievre accused Singh of reneging on the governing agreement between the NDP and Liberals in a bid to secure a seat in a recent Winnipeg by-election.

"Once the votes were counted, he betrayed them," Poilievre stated, accusing Singh of siding with the Liberals to ensure his MP pension.

"He is a fake, a phony, and a fraud. How can anyone believe this sell-out NDP leader in the future?" Poilievre added.

As Poilievre spoke, Singh stood up and began shouting at him, witnesses reported. When Poilievre finished and sat down, the House descended into a loud exchange of angry remarks between the Conservative and NDP benches.

Singh then left his seat, walking into the aisle to yell at Poilievre. Two MPs told CBC News that Singh said, "I'm right here, bro," while another said they heard him say, "I'm right here."

Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux told CBC News that he couldn’t clearly hear what Singh said but described him as appearing "upset and somewhat confrontational," which seemed to amuse Poilievre.

As Speaker Greg Fergus attempted to calm the situation, Poilievre could be seen on camera pointing at Singh and repeatedly saying, "Do it."

After several minutes, order was restored, and Fergus reminded the MPs, "Canadians are watching us."

"Let us conduct ourselves in a manner that truly reflects the best of our constituencies and the country," Fergus urged.

Earlier in the session, Poilievre began by criticizing the Bloc Québécois, repeatedly asking in French why they wouldn’t support the Conservatives' non-confidence motion.

According to parliamentary rules, questions in question period are supposed to be directed at the government. However, after Poilievre’s first two questions were aimed at the Bloc, ministers stopped responding.

Despite this, Fergus was obliged to return to Poilievre for further questions, acknowledging that it was an "uncomfortable situation."

Following Singh’s outburst in the aisle, Fergus reminded the House that the purpose of question period is to hold the government accountable.

"Colleagues, for this process to work, we must adhere to the rules we’ve established," he said. "There are many other avenues available to express ourselves outside of question period."

The vote on the Conservative motion is expected to take place next week.