The House is on summer break, scheduled to return Sept. 15

House of Commons Hansard #12 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was chair.

Topics

line drawing of robot

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

National Housing Strategy Act First reading of Bill C-205. The bill amends the National Housing Strategy Act to ban forced encampments on federal land and mandate consultation for housing alternatives for those experiencing homelessness. 300 words.

National Strategy on Brain Injuries Act First reading of Bill C-206. The bill establishes a national strategy on brain injuries to reduce incidents, improve care, and address related challenges like substance use and homelessness. 200 words.

Canada Pension Plan First reading of Bill C-207. The bill requires approval from two-thirds of participating provinces for a province to withdraw from the Canada Pension Plan, aiming to protect it and give Canadians a say in its future. 200 words.

Opposition Motion—Canada Carbon Rebate and Payment to Quebec Members debate a Bloc motion demanding Quebec receive $814 million, its estimated contribution to a federal carbon rebate paid to other provinces after the consumer tax was eliminated. The Bloc calls the payment an election giveaway funded by all taxpayers, excluding Quebeckers who have their own system. Liberals argue the payment was necessary for families who budgeted for it in participating provinces and highlight other benefits for Quebeckers. Conservatives support ending the tax but agree the rebate timing and exclusion of Quebec were unfair, also raising concerns about government spending. Discussions touch on climate policy and industrial carbon pricing. 55400 words, 7 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Question Period

The Conservatives focus on Auditor General reports revealing government incompetence and waste. They highlight ArriveCAN app failures ($64 million to GC Strategies with no proof of work, no security clearances), the F-35 cost overruns ($14 billion over budget, delays), and housing program failures (only 309 units built). They demand taxpayers get their money back and criticize the promotion of ministers responsible.
The Liberals address Auditor General reports, highlighting the ineligibility of GC Strategies for contracts. They emphasize increasing military spending to meet NATO targets and reviewing the F-35 contract. They discuss building affordable housing on federal lands and clarify the status of the federal carbon tax and rebate.
The Bloc criticize the carbon tax "advance" given to Canadians but not Quebeckers, demanding Quebec receive the money owed. They also advocate for defence spending to benefit Quebec's economy through local procurement.
The NDP criticize Bill C-5 for overriding provincial consent on resource projects and question the invitation of leaders concerned with human rights and foreign interference to the G7 summit.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26 Members question Ministers on the government's estimates. Discussions cover fiscal responsibility, budget deficits, national debt, US tariffs and trade diversification, support for Ukraine, and measures for affordability like tax cuts and housing. Specific topics include collected tariffs, debt servicing costs, unemployment, budget timing, internal trade barriers, and support for industries like steel, aluminum, and canola. 36200 words, 4 hours.

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Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Tom Kmiec

The hon. member.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Chair, so will the number remain at seven or lower? Will it exceed 7%, yes or no?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Chair, he asked me this all evening. I am an old guy, and I will answer the same thing: Seven is seven.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Chair, this exchange will age if the rate should happen to exceed 7%. Ordinarily, these projections would be in a budget that would be tabled in March or maybe April at the latest, so this is ordinarily something the government would project.

Is the minister giving an assurance to this House that the unemployment rate will not exceed 7%?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Chair, what I said to this House and to all Canadians is that the unemployment rate in May was 7%, and the member is well aware of that.

With respect to projection, I will let him guess what he thinks, but what I can say on this side of the House is that 7% was the number in May 2025.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Chair, the projection is 7% and will not exceed 7%: Is it a yes or no?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Chair, seven is seven.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Chair, on what date will the budget be balanced?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Chair, we said we would be presenting a great budget, and I know the member will have—

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Tom Kmiec

The hon. member.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Pat Kelly Conservative Calgary Crowfoot, AB

Mr. Chair, in 2015 the government was elected and promised a balanced budget by 2019. It is 2025. The fall economic statement had no date for a balanced budget in sight.

On what date will the minister project having a balanced budget?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Chair, we have been very clear to Canadians that we would balance the operating budget of this government within three years. I know the member is looking forward to the budget. It is going to be great. I know he is so anxious, but he will just have to wait a bit—

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Tom Kmiec

The hon. member for Cloverdale—Langley City has the floor.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Tamara Jansen Conservative Cloverdale—Langley City, BC

Mr. Chair, can the minister tell me how much federal debt needs to be refinanced over the next five years?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Saint-Maurice—Champlain Québec

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne LiberalMinister of Finance and National Revenue

Mr. Chair, I am sure the member can find this number in the estimates, and she can look at “The Fiscal Monitor”.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Tamara Jansen Conservative Cloverdale—Langley City, BC

Mr. Chair, it is a simple question, Finance 101.

How much will need to be refinanced over the next five years?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Chair, it is Finance 101: The member can look at “The Fiscal Monitor” and the estimates. It is a great read. I would suggest it to the member.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Tamara Jansen Conservative Cloverdale—Langley City, BC

Mr. Chair, the PBO confirmed for me that the amount is $3.27 trillion. Over $2.8 trillion of that is just to refinance old debt we have never paid off.

Is this sustainable, yes or no?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Chair, I know the member knows that a lot of the expenses incurred are to support transfers made to provinces to—

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Tom Kmiec

The hon. member.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Tamara Jansen Conservative Cloverdale—Langley City, BC

Mr. Chair, it was a simple question: yes or no?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Chair, the member would know that a good part of the federal budget is transferred to provinces to support great programs that help people in her riding—

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

The Chair Conservative Tom Kmiec

The hon. member.

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

6:40 p.m.

Conservative

Tamara Jansen Conservative Cloverdale—Langley City, BC

Mr. Chair, the remaining $270 billion is new borrowing, fresh deficits on top of old.

Does the government plan to stop adding debt to the pile, yes or no?

Main Estimates and Supplementary Estimates (A), 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

June 10th, 2025 / 6:40 p.m.

Liberal

François-Philippe Champagne Liberal Saint-Maurice—Champlain, QC

Mr. Chair, the member will be very happy tonight, because she will learn that Canada has the lowest debt-to-GDP ratio in the G7. It is a great position to be in, and we will—