Canada Pharmacare Act
First reading of
Bill C-340.
The bill introduces the Canada Pharmacare Act, establishing a framework for universal, comprehensive, and public pharmacare across Canada, modeled on the Canada Health Act to ensure affordable prescription medications.
200 words.
Inquiries Act
First reading of
Bill C-341.
The bill amends the Inquiries Act to ensure that Parliament, not the government, determines the commissioners for future commissions of inquiry, aiming to strengthen democratic accountability.
200 words.
Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities
Members debate the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, concerning Canada's housing crisis. Conservatives argue that the federal government's policies have led to doubled rents and home prices, advocating for reduced municipal regulations and private sector incentives for purpose-built rentals. Liberals highlight their National Housing Strategy and historic investments, while the NDP and Bloc Québécois emphasize the need for affordable housing and stopping the financialization of housing.
24300 words, 3 hours.
Petitions
Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
Report stage of
Bill S-8.
The bill aims to amend the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, making individuals sanctioned under the Special Economic Measures Act inadmissible to Canada. Liberals support the bill, stating it closes a legislative gap to prevent human rights abusers and those involved in international peace breaches from entering. Conservatives and NDP, while supporting the bill's intent, criticize the government's inconsistent application and enforcement of existing sanctions, such as the Magnitsky Act and the listing of the IRGC. The Bloc Québécois emphasizes Canada remaining a refuge, not a haven for criminals.
19500 words, 2 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Statements by Members
Question Period
Alleged Breach of Government Obligation to Appoint Officer of Parliament—Speaker's Ruling
The Speaker rules on a question of privilege regarding the vacant Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner position, concluding it is not a prima facie question of privilege due to timing.
500 words.
Alleged Intimidation of Member
Members debate a question of privilege regarding a message sent by the Minister of Justice to an MP, discussing alleged attacks on Justice Iacobucci's integrity and the Minister's stated intention to share this disrespect with the Italian Canadian community.
400 words.
Violence Against Pregnant Women Act
Second reading of
Bill C-311.
The bill, Bill C-311, an act to amend the Criminal Code (violence against pregnant women), aims to make pregnancy an explicit and mandatory aggravating factor in sentencing for crimes against pregnant women. Conservative members argue it is a common-sense measure to protect vulnerable women. However, Liberal, NDP, and Bloc Québécois members oppose it, stating it is a thinly veiled attempt to reopen the abortion debate and could undermine women's reproductive rights by implicitly recognizing fetal personhood. They also contend that judges already have the discretion to consider pregnancy as an aggravating factor.
7000 words, 1 hour.
Government Business No. 26—Amendments to the Standing Orders
Members debate making hybrid sittings permanent, with Liberals and NDP emphasizing increased diversity and accessibility, work-life balance, and parliamentary continuity during crises. Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois express concerns about eroding accountability, straining interpreters, and diminishing in-person interaction, advocating for consensus or a sunset clause for such significant changes.
49900 words, 5 hours.
Lebanese Heritage Month Act
Second reading of
Bill S-246.
The bill S-246 designates November as Lebanese Heritage Month to acknowledge the significant contributions of Lebanese Canadians across the country. Members from various parties highlight the community's resilience and cultural richness, their historical impact on Canada from the fur trade to business, and the importance of celebrating their heritage and traditions. The bill passed unanimously.
6400 words, 45 minutes.
Adjournment Debates
East Prairie Métis Settlement Blake Desjarlais asks Irek Kusmierczyk about assistance for the East Prairie Métis Settlement after wildfires destroyed homes and infrastructure. Desjarlais emphasizes the need for temporary housing and infrastructure repair, and criticizes the minister's initial lack of awareness. Kusmierczyk outlines federal support for Alberta's wildfires and commits to working with partners.
Roberts Bank terminal expansion Elizabeth May criticizes the approval of the Roberts Bank terminal expansion, citing the threat to endangered species. Irek Kusmierczyk defends the project, emphasizing its economic benefits and the 370 legally binding environmental conditions. May rebuts this, accusing the government of fakery regarding environmental concerns.
Canada disability benefit Mike Morrice expresses concern for people with disabilities. He urges support for Senate amendments to Bill C-22, and for the bill to be budgeted. Irek Kusmierczyk assures Morrice the government shares his urgency, and mentions actions taken to create a barrier-free Canada.
