Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act
Third reading of
Bill C-282.
The bill, C-282, seeks to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management) by requiring full respect for the supply management model in future free trade negotiations. Conservative members argue this would "handcuff" negotiators and risk losing opportunities for Canadian exporters. Other members, including Conservatives, Bloc Québécois, NDP, and Liberals, support the bill to protect supply-managed sectors like dairy, poultry, and eggs, ensuring stability for farmers and local economies.
7300 words, 1 hour.
Alleged Intimidation of Member—Speaker's Ruling
The Speaker rules on the member for Kamloops—Thompson—Cariboo's claim of intimidation by the Minister of Justice. The Speaker finds no prima facie breach, as the member's duties were not impeded, and encourages courteous interactions.
500 words.
Alleged Obstruction of Member for South Surrey—White Rock—Speaker's Ruling
The Speaker rules on a question of privilege regarding the member for Kingston and the Islands' unparliamentary behaviour. The Speaker finds no privilege, noting the matter was resolved by an apology.
500 words.
Alleged Breach of Member's Right to Information
Members debate a question of privilege concerning Natural Resources Canada's alleged deliberate withholding of information in response to Order Paper questions. Conservative MPs Michelle Rempel and Dan Albas cite internal documents suggesting NRCan staff strategized to provide "high-level limitation language" rather than full answers, diminishing parliamentary accountability. They urge the Speaker to address this "pervasive culture" and uphold democratic principles.
1900 words, 15 minutes.
Upcoming Opposition Day
Conservative MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay raises a point of order regarding the Speaker's interpretation of a special order concerning the grouping of votes on government estimates during an upcoming opposition day. She argues that the principles and practices of the report stage for legislation are not suitable for the appropriations process, which has deep historical roots in parliamentary control of finance. She urges the Speaker to group votes by institution for proper scrutiny of government expenditures.
3000 words, 20 minutes.
Bill C-42—Time Allocation Motion
Members debate a Liberal closure motion on Bill C-42, An Act to amend the Canada Business Corporations Act. The government and NDP argue it is necessary to overcome Conservative delay tactics and pass important legislation, including Bill C-42's beneficial ownership registry to fight money laundering. Conservatives allege the government is silencing debate and undermining democracy. The Bloc and Green Party also express concerns about the frequent use of closure.
4900 words, 35 minutes.
Statements by Members
Question Period
Natural Resources
Members debate the Standing Committee on Natural Resources' 10th report on Canadian energy transformation. Conservatives criticize the government's related "sustainable jobs" plan, arguing it threatens jobs and energy security.
400 words.
An Act to Protect Firefighters, Paramedics and Other First Responders
First reading of
Bill C-345.
The bill aims to protect firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders from increasing assaults and violence, by putting in place protections for them as called for by the IAFF and paramedics.
200 words.
Online News Act
Members debate Bill C-18, the online news act, which seeks to compel digital platforms to fairly compensate Canadian news businesses for content. While the government, NDP, and Bloc Québécois emphasize the bill's importance for supporting local journalism and addressing the crisis in Canadian media, Conservatives argue it threatens journalistic independence, primarily benefits legacy media, and could lead to platforms removing news links.
10000 words, 1 hour.
Bill C-18—Notice of Time Allocation Motion
Members debate the government's decision to abruptly cut short the debate on Senate amendments to Bill C-18, the online news act, with opposition members criticizing the lack of notice and impact on parliamentary debate.
600 words.
Canada Business Corporations Act
Report stage of
Bill C-42.
The bill C-42 seeks to establish a beneficial ownership registry to combat money laundering and tax evasion, as Canada is seen as a haven for global money laundering. Conservatives argue the legislation is deeply flawed and does not go far enough, covering only federally incorporated entities and relying on provinces, creating loopholes. They suggest a national registry covering all companies, trusts, and real estate. The Bloc and NDP generally support the bill as a step in the right direction for transparency, urging its swift passage.
16500 words, 2 hours.
Adjournment Debates
Alberta coal mining Heather McPherson questions why a coal mine in Grande Cache was approved without an environmental assessment. Bryan May cites the government's policy to phase out thermal coal, but says the mine is for metallurgical coal and below the threshold for automatic assessment. McPherson presses him on selenium risks.
CERB Repayments and Low Income Daniel Blaikie asks how many CERB debtors fall below the low income cut-off. Bryan May says the government is taking a compassionate, people-first approach, offering flexible repayment options, but does not provide the requested statistic. Blaikie calls the government's approach "pathetic".
Military spending and procurement James Bezan criticizes the government's military spending, citing concerns raised by the Conference of Defence Associations Institute, procurement delays, and inadequate support for troops. Bryan May defends the government's investments in equipment and personnel, highlighting increased spending, procurement of new equipment, and efforts to eliminate unacceptable behaviour.
