Senator Brazeau Collapses During Debate, Now Recovering

Senator Patrick Brazeau is thought to be recovering after falling on the Senate floor on Wednesday during the debate over the federal government's major projects bill.

Brazeau, 50, rose to speak shortly after 4 p.m. before sliding sideways to the floor.

A Senate spokeswoman says Brazeau looks to be improving after being examined by paramedics.

Speaker Raymonde Gagné paused proceedings for about half an hour, and many senators fled the room until she resumed the debate.

Gagné commended security officers and coworkers for their swift response. 

Brazeau was referring to Bill C-5, Prime Minister Mark Carney's contentious legislation that would give Ottawa broad new powers to expedite project approvals during a trade dispute with the United States.

The politically contentious legislation has enraged Indigenous and environmental groups, who claim it does not fully respect charter rights and should not be rushed through Parliament.