Election brinkmanship drama over what the opposition describes as a $3-billion slush fund is quickly devolving into debate over procedural minutiae.
Liberal House leader Ralph Goodale said Friday his party was still unclear on how the $3-billion can be spent, even after receiving a briefing from public servants from the Treasury Board.
"Our intention is not to create some confrontation," he told reporters.
Mr. Goodale said his party will not force a vote on the issue next week and that the matter does not need to be resolved until the end of the month.
The government argues the $3-billion is simply a technical measure to get budget spending moving more quickly. The opposition wants assurances that the item is not a "blank cheque" to spend on political projects.
Treasury Board President Vic Toews is scheduled to appear before MPs on the Government Operations Committee the morning of Tuesday, March 10 to make everything clear.
Meanwhile, MPs on a special Industry sub-committee will attempt this week to clear up another grey issue, calling witnesses to find out the latest on negotiations involving Canada's troubled auto sector.