Banff - Airdrie Conservative MP Blake Richards became the first person in 15 years to be expelled from the House of Commons after being removed yesterday (November 30).

It was in the midst of an especially wild daily question period where Finance Minister Bill Morneau was being grilled with more questions about his ethical and financial dealings.

House of Commons Speaker Geoff Reagan stood to call the House to order before he singled out Richards, saying that, "The Honourable member from Banff - Airdrie will come to order or he can step outside, or be helped outside, which would he prefer," then said, "I ask the Sergeant-At-Arms to remove Mr. Richards."

It's very uncommon for MPs to be removed from the House in such a manner.  Only 43 have been removed in 104 years for refusing to retract such allegations as lying, cover-ups or misleading the House.

Richards joins the likes of Reform MP Chuck Strahl, the NDPs Svend Robinson, Liberal John Nunziata and NDP leader Ed Broadbent as having been expelled from the House.

Richards won't have to apologize or retract whatever he said to get back into the House.  MPs can simply return to their seats the next day after being removed.

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