Sen. Patrick Brazeau collapsed in the Senate chamber late Wednesday afternoon during a debate on the government’s major projects bill.
Brazeau had posed a question to Conservative Sen. Leo Housakos. When he stood to ask a second question, Brazeau could be heard over the microphone deeply exhaling before saying, “Oh shit,” and falling over.
Senators and staff could be seen quickly standing up or rushing over to Brazeau’s seat as the proceedings were suspended.
A statement from a Senate spokesperson said Brazeau was receiving medical attention and that “he appears to be recovering.”
Ottawa paramedics were called and Brazeau was taken away in an ambulance. Paramedics told CBC News that they responded to a “non-life-threatening” incident on Rideau Street — which is where the Senate building is located.
A senator told CBC News that Brazeau was conscious when paramedics helped him out of the building.
Proceedings resumed nearly half an hour later. Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagné thanked security and emergency personnel for their quick action before debate continued.
