Bill C-8

Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021

An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures

Sponsor

Status

This bill has received Royal Assent and is, or will soon become, law.

Summary

This is from the published bill. The Library of Parliament has also written a full legislative summary of the bill.

Part 1 amends the Income Tax Act and the Income Tax Regulations in order to
(a) introduce a new refundable tax credit for eligible businesses on qualifying ventilation expenses made to improve air quality;
(b) expand the travel component of the northern residents deduction by giving all northern residents the option to claim up to $1,200 in eligible travel expenses even if the individual has not received travel assistance from their employer;
(c) expand the School Supplies Tax Credit from 15% to 25% and expand the eligibility criteria to include electronic devices used by eligible educators; and
(d) introduce a new refundable tax credit to return fuel charge proceeds to farming businesses in backstop jurisdictions.
Part 2 enacts the Underused Housing Tax Act . This Act implements an annual tax of 1% on the value of vacant or underused residential property directly or indirectly owned by non-resident non-Canadians. It sets out rules for the purpose of establishing owners’ liability for the tax. It also sets out applicable reporting and filing requirements. Finally, to promote compliance with its provisions, this Act includes modern administration and enforcement provisions aligned with those found in other taxation statutes.
Part 3 provides for a six-year limitation or prescription period for the recovery of amounts owing with respect to a loan provided under the Canada Emergency Business Account program established by Export Development Canada.
Part 4 authorizes payments to be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purpose of supporting ventilation improvement projects in schools.
Part 5 authorizes payments to be made out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund for the purpose of supporting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) proof-of-vaccination initiatives.
Part 6 authorizes the Minister of Health to make payments of up to $1.72 billion out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund in relation to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) tests. It also sets out reporting requirements for the Minister of Health.
Part 7 amends the Employment Insurance Act to specify the maximum number of weeks for which benefits may be paid in a benefit period to certain seasonal workers.

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

Bill numbers are reused for different bills each new session. Perhaps you were looking for one of these other C-8s:

C-8 (2020) Law An Act to amend the Citizenship Act (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's call to action number 94)

C-8 (2020) An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy)

C-8 (2016) Law Appropriation Act No. 5, 2015-16

C-8 (2013) Law Combating Counterfeit Products Act

Votes

May 4, 2022 Passed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill C-8, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures

May 4, 2022 Failed Bill C-8, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures (recommittal to a committee)

May 4, 2022 Failed 3rd reading and adoption of Bill C-8, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures (subamendment)

May 2, 2022 Passed Concurrence at report stage of Bill C-8, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures

May 2, 2022 Failed Bill C-8, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures (report stage amendment)

April 28, 2022 Passed Time allocation for Bill C-8, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures

Feb. 10, 2022 Passed 2nd reading of Bill C-8, An Act to implement certain provisions of the economic and fiscal update tabled in Parliament on December 14, 2021 and other measures

Debate Summary

This is a computer-generated summary of the speeches below. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.

Bill C-8 aims to implement provisions from the 2021 fall economic statement, including tax credits, COVID-19 support programs, and a tax on underused housing owned by non-residents. The bill proposes measures related to health, education, housing, and employment insurance. A key debate centers on a proposed 1% tax on underused housing owned by non-residents, with some arguing that it encroaches on provincial jurisdiction and may be ineffective, while others advocate for more comprehensive solutions to address the housing crisis.

Liberal

Supporting economic recovery: The Liberal Party supports Bill C-8 as a measure to ensure Canada recovers from the pandemic and emerges stronger economically and as a nation, focusing on continued support for Canadians and businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccination efforts: The Liberal Party emphasizes the importance of vaccination as a tool to protect families and communities from COVID-19. They highlighted the government's investments in vaccines, booster shots, and the development of a national proof-of-vaccination standard in collaboration with provinces and territories.
Supporting small businesses: The Liberal Party highlights measures in Bill C-8 such as extending the CEBA repayment deadline and providing loan forgiveness to support small businesses affected by the pandemic. They also propose a refundable small business air quality improvement tax credit.
Prioritizing health and safety: The Liberal Party emphasizes the health and safety of Canadians, especially children, by allocating funding for rapid tests, ventilation improvements in schools, and supporting provincial proof-of-vaccination programs.

Conservative

Opposes Bill C-8: Multiple Conservative MPs stated their opposition to Bill C-8, citing concerns over its spending levels and inflationary effects. Speakers argued that the bill does not adequately address the economic needs of Canadians and will negatively impact future generations through increased debt.
Inflation and cost of living: The Conservative party emphasized the burden of inflation on Canadian families. Speakers detailed the rising costs of groceries, housing, and fuel, attributing these increases to government spending and policies like the carbon tax.
Inadequate housing policies: The party criticized the government's housing policies, arguing that they have failed to address the housing affordability crisis and have led to skyrocketing home prices. Members highlighted the ineffectiveness of programs like the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive and called for measures such as banning foreign ownership and increasing housing supply.
Impact on agriculture sector: The Conservative party expressed concern over the impact of the carbon tax and other government policies on the agriculture sector. Members advocated for exemptions from the carbon tax for farmers and highlighted the need to support Canadian farmers to ensure food security.

NDP

Underwhelmed by the bill: The NDP find Bill C-8 to be "underwhelming" as a response to the economic challenges Canadians are facing. They believe the bill doesn't go far enough in addressing issues such as the rising cost of living and housing affordability.
Support for select measures: The NDP support some measures in the bill, such as allowing small businesses to acquire equipment to improve indoor air quality, increasing the school supplies tax credit, and providing a refundable tax credit for the return of fuel levy proceeds to agricultural businesses. They see these measures as targeted investments that can help families and businesses.
Housing tax needs work: While the NDP acknowledge the underused housing tax as a step in the right direction, they believe it contains loopholes that will significantly undermine its effectiveness. They emphasize the need for more comprehensive measures to address the housing crisis.
Pushing for further action: The NDP aim to use their position in Parliament to push the government to take bolder action on issues such as dental care and pharmacare. They hope to see more inspiring and concrete initiatives in the upcoming budget to address the challenges facing Canadians.

Bloc

Opposes federal overreach: The Bloc Québécois opposes the federal government's intrusion into property tax, an area traditionally under provincial and municipal jurisdiction, viewing it as a dangerous precedent that could undermine the fiscal balance of the federation.
Housing strategy inadequacy: Bloc members critique the bill's failure to adequately address the housing crisis, arguing that the federal government has disengaged from housing initiatives and that the proposed tax on underused housing is an ineffective and poorly designed solution.
Unconstitutional overreach: The Bloc argues that the tax on underused housing may be unconstitutional, as it effectively regulates housing, an area under provincial jurisdiction, and that the federal government is imposing this tax without consulting the provinces or respecting their constitutional rights.
Supports CEBA changes: While critical of other aspects of the bill, the Bloc Québécois supports measures to extend the repayment deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans and calls for further improvements to business support programs to address the challenges faced by SMEs.

Green

Supports the bill: The Green Party supports Bill C-8 because it provides funding for COVID-19 health impacts, essential equipment, and assistance to various sectors. However, they have concerns about potential overspending.
Concern about duplicated funds: The Green Party is concerned about the potential double allocation of funds, particularly regarding the $4 billion earmarked for rapid tests, and want measures to ensure funds are spent only once.
Federal-provincial collaboration: The Green Party highlights the need for better federal-provincial collaboration to address national issues effectively, citing climate targets and pandemic responses as examples where coordination has been lacking.
Ambition gap in legislation: The Green Party identifies an ambition gap in Bill C-8, particularly regarding housing affordability, climate action, and mental health support. They argue the bill could have included more transformative measures to address these critical issues, such as investments in co-op housing, phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, and increasing mental health funding.

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Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021Government Orders

May 2nd, 2022 / 3:15 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

It being 3:14 p.m., pursuant to order made Thursday, November 25, 2021, the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the motions at report stage of Bill C-8.

Call in the members.

And the bells having rung:

The question is on Motion No. 1.

A vote on this motion also applies to Motions Nos. 2 to 10.

(The House divided on Motion No. 1, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #64

Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021Government Orders

May 2nd, 2022 / 3:25 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

I declare the motion defeated.

Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021Government Orders

May 2nd, 2022 / 3:25 p.m.

Liberal

David Lametti Liberal LaSalle—Émard—Verdun, QC

moved that the bill, as amended, be concurred in.

Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021Government Orders

May 2nd, 2022 / 3:25 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

If a member of a recognized party present in the House wishes to request a recorded division or that the motion be adopted on division, I would invite them to please rise and indicate it to the Chair.

Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021Government Orders

May 2nd, 2022 / 3:25 p.m.

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB

Mr. Speaker, I would request a recorded vote please.

(The House divided on the motion, which was agreed to on the following division:)

Vote #65

Economic and Fiscal Update Implementation Act, 2021Government Orders

May 2nd, 2022 / 3:40 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Chris d'Entremont

I declare the motion carried.