Debates of Nov. 25th, 2025

House of Commons Hansard #60 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was industry.

Topics

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

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women Members debate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marking the start of 16 days of activism against gender-based violence. They highlight the ongoing femicide crisis, particularly affecting Indigenous women and 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. While the Liberal government outlines funding and legislative measures, Conservatives and Bloc Québécois criticize budget cuts and the Prime Minister's abandonment of feminist foreign policy. New Democrats also call for greater action on MMIWG2S+ recommendations. 4400 words, 35 minutes.

Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 1 Second reading of Bill C-15. The bill implements Budget 2025, addressing economic impact through investments in housing, infrastructure, and social programs like the national school food program. Opposition parties criticize the bill's omnibus nature and the government's fiscal approach, arguing it drives up debt and creates a "productivity crisis." Debate also covers the repeal of the luxury tax and concerns about Veterans Affairs funding. 52200 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

National housing emergency declaration needed

Celebrate Research Week Launch in Brampton

Bill C-225, intimate partner violence

Space launch in Nova Scotia

Fire at Grande Prairie farmers' market

Remembering René Dallaire's contributions

Nobel laureates from Guelph and Wellington

Defending the Charter of Rights

Liberal gun confiscation scheme failures

Remembering Louis Riel of Manitoba

Recognizing 4-H Canada's contribution

Food Inflation under the Liberals

Eliminating violence against women

Brookfield tax avoidance and government contracts

Canada-Taiwan Relations and Trade

Trade Deal Failure; Job Losses

Arts as an economic driver

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the Prime Minister's conflicts of interest with Brookfield, accusing him of benefiting from its deals. They highlight his failure to reduce US tariffs on Canadian goods, citing his "who cares?" attitude. The party also attacks the government's inaction on pipelines and soaring living costs, particularly food inflation and fuel taxes.

The Liberals highlight their success in securing trade deals and attracting $70 billion in foreign investment to create jobs and grow the economy. They defend Budget 2025 and investments in major infrastructure, supporting vulnerable sectors and criticizing the opposition for voting against Canadian progress.

The Bloc accuses the Liberals of rigging the 1995 referendum by fast-tracking citizenship and manipulating the immigration system. They also criticize the government for abandoning the fight against climate change by approving two pipelines for dirty oil.

The NDP focuses on upholding disability rights and protecting public health care from privatization.

Criminal Code Second reading of Bill C-220. The bill proposes to amend the Criminal Code to prohibit judges from considering a non-citizen's immigration status when sentencing, aiming to ensure that non-citizens convicted of serious crimes face deportation consequences. Conservatives argue this will prevent a two-tiered justice system and uphold the value of Canadian citizenship. Liberals and the Bloc Québécois express concerns about judicial independence, proportionality, and the impact on individuals' lives, suggesting the bill is ill-conceived and not evidence-based. 8600 words, 1 hour.

Softwood Lumber Industry Members debate the ongoing softwood lumber dispute with the U.S., where tariffs have tripled to 45%, leading to mill closures and job losses. The government details financial supports, legal challenges, and domestic demand initiatives. Opposition criticizes "10 years of failure," demanding immediate action, a negotiated deal, and exploring options like buying back duties or a national working table to protect communities. 35400 words, 4 hours.

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Softwood Lumber IndustryGovernment Orders

11:10 p.m.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Mr. Chair, we have seen the Liberals retaliate. We have seen them come back and fight back, but they are not leveraging when it comes to the forest sector and softwood lumber. Maybe the U.S. will target steel or go after auto and we will see the government fight back, but we are not seeing the same attitude when it comes to the softwood lumber industry.

This dispute has been going on since 2017. It has been way too long. We do not hear the Prime Minister talk about it. How often have we heard him talk about softwood lumber when he comes back from Washington? I can say it is not once. He has not stood in Washington even once and said this is a top priority in his negotiations.

Softwood Lumber IndustryGovernment Orders

11:10 p.m.

Conservative

Richard Bragdon Conservative Tobique—Mactaquac, NB

Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague from Courtenay—Alberni for his very good remarks; they were very thoughtful.

It is absolutely important that there is urgency to getting this resolved. What is evident so far is there has been no urgency from the government on softwood lumber. It has been 10 years. Former prime minister Stephen Harper got to a deal in 80 days. We are causing the death of the forestry sector by delay. There is delay in dealing with what needs to be dealt with.

It is time to get back to the table, think big picture and get the best deal possible for Canada's forestry workers. We need urgency from that side of the House. I hope the member will join me in demanding that the government take action for our forestry workers.

Softwood Lumber IndustryGovernment Orders

11:10 p.m.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Mr. Chair, the federal government has created a federal industry national working group when it comes to steel and aluminum, but it still has not done that for forestry. It does not have a round table that includes workers and forest producers. That is completely ridiculous at this point in the game.

We are asking for the federal government to create a softwood working group, a table that has the mandate to fast-track solutions on duties, liquidity and Canada's negotiating posture so we can finally get a secure, fair and durable softwood lumber agreement. Why is it taking so long for the government to bring this working group together?

Softwood Lumber IndustryGovernment Orders

11:10 p.m.

Bloc

Mario Simard Bloc Jonquière, QC

Mr. Chair, my colleague is always an ally when it comes to the forestry sector. We have seen many initiatives here before, including a bill on the use of wood. Unfortunately, even though this bill was passed, it has no teeth since it is not binding. The government is being advised to use wood as though it has never been advised to use it before. I find that a little odd.

Does my colleague agree that the government should have a measure in place that allows carbon footprints to be considered in its calls for tenders? That way, wood would qualify every time. It would be a binding measure to promote the use of wood and would give the forestry sector a helping hand, at least in the government's tendering process.

Softwood Lumber IndustryGovernment Orders

11:10 p.m.

NDP

Gord Johns NDP Courtenay—Alberni, BC

Mr. Chair, I want to thank my colleague. He has been an incredible champion for the forest products sector in Quebec. I work with him on the all-party forestry caucus on this very important issue. It has been a real pleasure.

In terms of what we need to do and look at, we need to take an all-out approach. That could mean mass timber, ensuring that when we build houses in this country, we use Canadian-made wood. There is the biomass tax credit, using every opportunity to create value out of our fibre.

What this really comes down to is that we need a negotiated settlement. That is what we are all talking about. It needs to be all hands on deck, and this sector needs to be prioritized, like every other sector that has been hit with Donald Trump's tariffs. That is not the case right now.

Softwood Lumber IndustryGovernment Orders

11:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Tom Kmiec

It being 11:14 p.m., pursuant to order made on Friday, November 21, the committee will rise.

(Government Business No. 2 reported)

Softwood Lumber IndustryGovernment Orders

11:10 p.m.

The Deputy Speaker Tom Kmiec

Accordingly, the House stands adjourned until tomorrow at 2 p.m. pursuant to Standing Order 24(1).

(The House adjourned at 11:14 p.m.)