Canadian P.M. apologizes after elbowing senator

Canada’s parliament witnessed unusual scenes of turmoil after New Democratic Party MP Ruth-Ellen Brosseau accused Prime Minster Justin Trudeau of “elbowing” her in the chest during a heated debate on an assisted-dying bill. Peace could only be restored after Trudeau tendered an unconditional apology to her.

Trudeau, who reportedly hurled an expletive, also entered into a verbal tussle with New Democratic Party leader Tom Mulcair, writes the BBC. Trudeau apparently lost his temper because of what some viewed as Opposition Whip Gord Brown’s attempt to delay a vote by speaking slowly. Canada’s parliament has seen heated arguments over the week as the Liberal government seeks to push through a controversial bill on assisted-dying.

The young prime minister, who enjoys huge popularity both at home and overseas, has rarely faltered in his conduct.

Trudeau’s behavior prompted MPs to “heckle and pound their desks” while opposition leader Tom Mulcair said, “What kind of man elbows a woman? It’s pathetic! You’re pathetic!” reports The Guardian.

Elizabeth May, the leader of Canada’s Green party, while describing Trudeau’s actions as “unacceptable,” called the elbowing incident an accident, saying that he could not see Brosseau behind him.