Bill C-25

Strong and Free Elections Act

An Act to amend the Canada Elections Act and to enact An Act to change the names of certain electoral districts, 2026

This enactment amends the Canada Elections Act to, among other things,
(a) establish new prohibitions and modify existing prohibitions, including in relation to foreign influence in the electoral process, accepting or offering a bribe, unauthorized use of a computer, making or publishing false or misleading information respecting elections and the candidate nomination process;
(b) establish new prohibitions in relation to voting in a nomination contest or leadership contest;
(c) prohibit the acceptance or use of certain contributions by political entities and third parties, including from anonymous sources;
(d) provide for new requirements relating to political parties’ policies for the protection of personal information; and
(e) expand the scope of certain provisions relating to the administration and enforcement of that Act, including by increasing the maximum administrative monetary penalties that may be imposed for certain violations and by granting the Commissioner of Canada Elections certain powers in respect of any conspiracy or attempt to commit, or being an accessory after the fact or counselling in relation to, a contravention of that Act.
The enactment also enacts a statute to change the name of certain electoral districts as a result of proposals by the members of the House of Commons who represent those electoral districts.

Procedure and House Affairs

[Kevin Lamoureux, Liberal, Parliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 109, I table the government's response to the 20th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, entitled “Becoming a Candidate in an Election: A Review of the Criteria”.

The government wishes to thank the committee for its work on this important matter. The government is pleased to see that all seven legislative amendments recommended by the committee have been incorporated into Bill C-25. I understand there was an attempt to get them emailed, but just in case they have not been emailed, I will table the documents.

Business of the House

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I have taken careful note of those questions from my hon. colleague, and perhaps I could offer a challenge in return. If he could work with his colleagues over the weekend so that we get a list, a very precise list, of all of the things that constitute, in their minds, inflationary spending, we would certainly rush to agree to have them table that document and would take a look at it before the Minister of Finance rises next week and gives his spring economic update.

In the meantime, this afternoon, we will move on to consideration of Government Motion No. 9 on the composition of committees. Tomorrow we will continue consideration at second reading of Bill C-25, the strong and free elections act. On Monday, we will resume consideration at report stage of Bill C-11, the military justice system modernization act.

Next Tuesday, we will begin debate at second reading of the very exciting Bill C-28, the Canadian space launch act, followed by the spring economic statement at 4 p.m.

Finally, on Wednesday, we will start second reading debate of Bill S-3, an act to amend the Weights and Measures Act.

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I think my hon. friend took a few liberties with the facts. However, if he wants to know generally whether the government is going to put in place measures to make sure that Canada has the strongest economy in the G7, then the answer is a resounding yes.

I would simply point out that there is, in that number, a number of investments that, of course, reap returns that are brought back to Canada to help our pension funds pay their pension obligations to teachers, nurses, municipal workers, federal public servants and many other pensioners in the country. I am sure that is something the member wants to have continue.

As for the House, this afternoon, we will continue consideration at second reading stage of Bill C-25, an act to protect our elections and our rights. Tomorrow and Monday, we will resume consideration at second reading of Bill C-22, an act respecting lawful access.

Next Tuesday, we will begin debate at report stage and third reading of Bill C-10, an act respecting the commissioner for modern treaty implementation. On Wednesday, we shall commence debate on second reading of Bill C-21, the Red River Métis self-government recognition and implementation treaty act. Finally, Thursday, April 23, shall be an allotted day.

An Act Respecting Cyber Security

[Arielle Kayabaga, Liberal, London West, ON]

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague for her speech, and I appreciate her approach to this bill, which seeks to strengthen security and cybersecurity. Earlier, the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons introduced Bill C-25, which will also touch a little on Internet safety for children and families.

We have talked about deepfakes. I would like my colleague to tell me how she sees these two bills, which will allow us work together on putting more security infrastructure in place for Canadians and Quebeckers.

Business of the House

[Steven MacKinnon, Liberal, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons]

Mr. Speaker, I want to join with my hon. colleague a little bit in advance, as it is only, of course, a week from now, to wish all hon. colleagues, and indeed all Canadians, a happy Easter.

I wish all members two safe and productive weeks in their ridings.

As to the industrial carbon tax, the member well knows that it cannot possibly be preventing investment, as Canada has achieved record outputs of oil and gas exports. Boats are now floating to Asian markets with our energy products, thereby increasing returns to Canadians and Canadian workers. That is, of course, good news.

When we return from the Easter break, priority will be given to Bill C-22, an act respecting lawful access, and Bill C-25, the strong and free elections act, which was introduced this morning.

Tuesday, April 14, shall be an allotted day.

Once again, Mr. Speaker, I wish you and all the House staff a joyous and happy Easter.