19 May 2016

Trudeau accused of 'manhandling' MP

2:35 pm on 19 May 2016

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been accused of "manhandling" a Conservative MP as the House of Commons debated an assisted-dying bill.

Video shows Mr Trudeau walking into a crowd and taking Opposition Whip Gord Brown by his arm in an apparent attempt to steer him to his seat.

New Democratic Party MP Ruth-Ellen Brosseau said she was "elbowed in the chest" in the ensuing scuffle.

Mr Trudeau later apologised to Ms Brosseau of Quebec "unreservedly".

Mr Trudeau also had a heated verbal exchange with New Democratic Party leader Tom Mulcair.

"I have never seen a display of bully behaviour by a Canadian politician let alone a prime minister as I witnessed just now in the Chamber," said David Sweet, a Conservative MP from Ontario.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Justin Trudeau apologised after the scuffle. Photo: AFP

Mr Trudeau later said that Mr Brown had been talking too slowly ahead of a vote.

Several lawmakers were concerned about the breakdown in civility in the House of Commons.

"We don't want to become a House of Commons from some country you watch on CNN," said Elizabeth May, a Green Party MP from British Columbia.