The Conservatives demand the government "axe the tax", citing the "Parliamentary Budget Officer" that families pay more than they get back from the carbon tax. They criticize the upcoming "April 1 tax hike" and link it to rising "costs", calling for a "carbon tax election". They also raise concerns about "car thefts" and spending on "consultants".

The Liberals primarily focus on defending the Canada carbon rebate, asserting it helps 8 out of 10 families while fighting climate change. They highlight the ratification of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement. Other topics include working with Quebec, investing in Indigenous communities, addressing auto theft, and supporting social programs like child care and dental care.

The Bloc criticizes the government's refusal to grant Quebec immigration powers and pay back $1 billion owed. They accuse the PM of treating Quebec with contempt and interfering in municipal matters like the Canada community-building fund and health transfers.

The NDP advocate for Indigenous communities, demanding adequate housing and services. They criticize Canada's record on air pollution and call for investments in women's shelters, care workers, and a national school food program instead of consultants.

The Green Party calls for funding the Canada disability benefit in budget 2024.

Bilingual Documents in the House of Commons Members debate a Conservative question of privilege regarding a Liberal government amendment introduced late and only in English, which allegedly obstructed francophone members' participation due to lack of timely French translation. The Speaker will rule. 1300 words, 10 minutes.

Bill C-29—Time Allocation Motion Members debate a Liberal motion to impose closure on Bill C-29, An Act to provide for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation. Liberals argue the bill is essential for reconciliation and has been debated extensively. Conservatives oppose closure /debates/2024/3/20/scot-davidson-1/], raising issues like [economic reconciliation and the exclusion of the Congress of Aboriginal Peoples [/debates/2024/3/20/damien-kurek-1/], accusing Liberals of limiting debate. NDP supports the bill and criticizes Conservative delays [/debates/2024/3/20/peter-julian-1/]. The Green Party opposes closure on principle [/debates/2024/3/20/elizabeth-may-2/]. 4300 words, 35 minutes.

Witness Responses at Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates Members debate a question of privilege regarding a witness's testimony before the Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates on the ArriveCAN app. A Conservative MP alleges the witness's refusal to answer questions and prevarication constitute contempt of Parliament. Other parties agree; Liberals seek more time to respond. The Speaker supports committees receiving answers from witnesses. 5400 words, 40 minutes.

Canada—Ukraine Relations Members debate the Canada-Ukraine relationship and the newly signed strategic security partnership. Liberals highlight significant military assistance and financial support, and the recently passed Canada-Ukraine free trade agreement. Conservatives support the partnership but criticize delays in aid delivery and the carbon tax in the trade deal. Concerns are raised about the amount of aid delivered, with one member stating only 42% of commitments are met. Discussions also cover seizing Russian assets and reconstruction. 28300 words, 4 hours.

Unparliamentary Language Liberal MP Yvan Baker refuses to apologize for stating a "pro-Putin wing" exists in the Conservative Party, after the Chair ruled associating members with Putin unparliamentary, leading to debate on free speech and House rules. 1400 words, 10 minutes.

Canada-Ukraine Relations Members debate Canada's strategic security partnership with Ukraine, affirming support against Russian aggression. They discuss Canada's financial and military aid, the need to counter misinformation, and concerns about aid delivery speed. The agreement covers post-war reconstruction, industrial co-operation, and Ukrainian reforms. Discussions include the geopolitical context and the role of diplomacy. 3700 words, 30 minutes.

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Canada-Ukraine RelationsGovernment Orders

March 20th, 2024 / 11:15 p.m.

Bloc

Simon-Pierre Savard-Tremblay Bloc Saint-Hyacinthe—Bagot, QC

Mr. Chair, I would basically say that the position that we in the west, in democratic nations, have chosen to take is not necessarily shared by every country in the world.

Diplomacy still has its rights. If a country does not share our position, I do not think that is a reason to suspend diplomatic channels with that country. We have to continue to do business. We have to continue to engage in dialogue. We have to continue to have cultural, intellectual, political and various other exchanges. We have to continue to have relations with countries that do not share our position on this conflict. That goes without saying.

That strategy could well help us convince them over time, and it could be much more effective than a hostile approach.

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11:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Chris d'Entremont

I just wanted to say to the hon. member for Etobicoke Centre that I will not be reporting this back, so the hon. member, even though he became invisible to me for a few moments, will be fully seen tomorrow during the session of the House.

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11:15 p.m.

Conservative

Garnett Genuis Conservative Sherwood Park—Fort Saskatchewan, AB

Mr. Chair, I rise on a point of order. What you just said is not consistent with what you had previously said, nor is it consistent with the precedent set by the previous Speaker regarding the member for Miramichi—Grand Lake. I am not sure why you are saying now that you are reversing your previous decision in defiance of precedents set by the Speaker.

I would ask you to apply the precedent and hold the member for Etobicoke Centre accountable for his unparliamentary language and insist that he apologize before being recognized. That was what you said, and that was the ruling of the Speaker in regard to a Conservative member. I would expect you, or any Chair occupant, to treat all parties equally in this place, and to not give special allowances to the government on matters of amendment or on matters of the statements they make in the House. I ask you to apply the rules and the precedents of the House and to defend the privileges of all members equally and fairly.

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11:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Chris d'Entremont

I will be bringing this to the attention of the Speaker tomorrow morning.

It being 11:20 p.m., pursuant to order made Monday, March 18, the committee will now rise.

(Government Business No. 36 reported)

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11:15 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker

Accordingly, the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 10 a.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

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11:15 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Chris d'Entremont

(The House adjourned at 11:20 p.m.)