Debates of June 16th, 2025

House of Commons Hansard #16 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was economy.

Topics

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

Motion That Debate Be Not Further Adjourned Members debate the government's motion to limit debate on Bill C-5, which the Liberals state will accelerate major projects and reduce trade barriers, fulfilling an election promise. Opposition parties protest the use of closure, arguing the bill is rushed, lacks consultation, and could weaken environmental laws and fail to address existing project barriers. 4400 words, 30 minutes.

Consideration of Government Business No. 1 Members debate Bill C-5, aimed at establishing one Canadian economy by removing federal interprovincial trade barriers and facilitating major national projects. Liberals argue it boosts economic resilience and Indigenous participation. Conservatives criticize it as a missed opportunity that doesn't fix root issues like Bill C-69, allows the government to pick winners and losers, and grants sweeping powers. Concerns are raised about insufficient consultation and limiting debate via closure. 15000 words, 2 hours.

Statements by Members

Tribute to Joan Scottie, Inuit Activist

Italian Heritage Month and Quebec Holiday

Shooting in Fleetwood and Extortion

Tignish Fisheries Cooperative 100-year anniversary

The hon. member has the floor.

Tribute to John Holtby, Parliamentarian

G3E and water education programs

Crime, drugs, and Liberal bail system

Southern Ontario Cricket Association impact through sport

Tribute to Charles James Mayer

Michelin stars for Quebec chefs

Support small businesses across Canada

Canada's economic decline under Liberals

The hon. member has the floor.

International Trails Day in Brome—Missisquoi

$64 Million to unqualified consultants

Dryden Creek wildfire in Squamish

Freedom for Iranian people from tyranny

Memorial service for Bob Wood

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize Liberal anti-energy laws preventing resource development for allies. They demand $64 million paid to GC Strategies be returned, alleging corruption and lack of oversight. They attack the Housing Minister over his real estate fortune and argue Liberal programs fail as housing starts are down. They also highlight rising extortion rates and call for tougher measures.

The Liberals focus on passing the One Canadian Economy Act to get the economy moving and build projects while respecting Indigenous rights. They defend their actions against GC Strategies to protect procurement integrity, highlight efforts to increase housing starts, and address extortion and organized crime. They also promote national pride with discovery passes.

The Bloc criticize the Liberal government's Bill C-5 and the use of closure to force through energy projects and pipelines on Quebec without debate or studies. They argue this creates a Conservative-Liberal coalition favouring oil companies and disrespects Quebeckers and the Quebec National Assembly.

The NDP question food security in the North after a hamlet food voucher program was cancelled and allege Liberals provided disinformation about upholding section 35 rights.

Act to amend the Constitution Act, 1867 First reading of Bill C-210. The bill amends the Constitution Act, 1867 to eliminate the requirement for Members of Parliament to swear an oath to the King, replacing it with an oath of office. 200 words.

Petitions

Biomass tax credit for forestry workers

Gender apartheid in Afghanistan

Cancel prison needle exchange program

Repeal extreme intoxication defence law

Humanitarian aid to Palestine

Government Business No. 1—Proceedings on Bill C-5 Members debate Bill C-5, the one Canadian economy act, which aims to remove federal internal trade barriers and expedite major projects. Liberals argue it reflects an election mandate to build a stronger economy against trade threats. Conservatives support the intent but criticize the bill as a "baby step," lacking transparency, and failing to repeal previous laws like Bill C-69. Bloc members oppose the bill, viewing it as a democratic setback, undermining environmental protection, and centralizing power, particularly objecting to the use of a closure motion. 37100 words, 5 hours.

One Canadian Economy Act Second reading of Bill C-5. The bill aims to boost Canada's economy by eliminating internal trade barriers and streamlining approvals for major infrastructure projects. The Liberal government argues this will deliver free trade in Canada and speed up building. Conservatives support faster projects but question its effectiveness. Bloc Québécois, NDP, and Green Party raise concerns about the bill's impact on provincial autonomy, Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and the democratic process, arguing it grants excessive power and was rushed through without proper consultation, potentially undermining democracy and representing an unprecedented power grab. 16000 words, 3 hours.

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Bill C-5 One Canadian Economy ActGovernment Orders

10:55 p.m.

Green

Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, this is unlike anything I have ever seen. It is actually unprecedented. I have never seen a government grasp for quite this much power. It is truly unbelievable.

Every time a government or prime minister's office seizes more power, the next government seizes more after that. Therefore, the things that we decry today as opposition members, whether Liberals in the past now do the things that Liberals used to decry, Conservatives now will decry things that they will expand upon another time if they get—

Bill C-5 One Canadian Economy ActGovernment Orders

10:55 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker John Nater

Questions and comments, the hon. member for Winnipeg South Centre.

Bill C-5 One Canadian Economy ActGovernment Orders

10:55 p.m.

Liberal

Ben Carr Liberal Winnipeg South Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, I have a tremendous amount of respect for my colleague.

My question is in relation to indigenous rights, which the member referenced on a number of occasions. Nothing in the bill that I can see would override constitutional rights for indigenous communities. Can she elaborate on why she feels that is in jeopardy by virtue of the bill itself?

Bill C-5 One Canadian Economy ActGovernment Orders

10:55 p.m.

Green

Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, it is a tautology problem. In order to designate a project in the national interest, we have already denied indigenous people free, prior informed consent. It is the way it works. We need a time machine to make this thing work not to offend the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. As to section 35 rights, the problem again is that it says there must be a consultation, but it does not use the term “meaningful” consultation.

Bill C-5 One Canadian Economy ActGovernment Orders

10:55 p.m.

The Assistant Deputy Speaker John Nater

Pursuant to order made earlier today, it is my duty to put forthwith every question necessary to dispose of the second reading stage of the bill now before the House.

If a member participating in person wishes that the motion be carried or carried on division, or if a member of a recognized party participating in person wishes to request a recorded division, I would invite them to rise and indicate it to the Chair.

Bill C-5 One Canadian Economy ActGovernment Orders

10:55 p.m.

Conservative