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

House of Commons Hansard #9 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.

Business of the House Steven MacKinnon moves motion agreed to by Members to change House Standing Orders for the 45th Parliament regarding committee composition, appointment, and procedures for suspending sittings during late-night votes. 400 words.

Petitions

Strong Borders Act Second reading of Bill C-2. The bill aims to strengthen border security, combat organized crime, fentanyl trafficking, money laundering, and enhance immigration system integrity. Proponents say it provides crucial new tools for law enforcement. Critics raise concerns about its omnibus nature, lack of provisions on bail and sentencing, insufficient resources, and privacy implications of new powers, including lawful access and mail inspection, arguing it requires thorough, detailed work in committee. 44700 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the Liberals' lack of a budget, rising national debt, and increased spending, linking these to inflation and the rising cost of groceries. They highlight the housing crisis, unaffordable homes, and pressure on services from increased international student numbers. They also call for ending catch-and-release bail policies and repealing Bill C-69.
The Liberals focus on measures to support Canadians, including tax breaks, dental care, and child care. They address US tariffs on steel and aluminum and efforts to protect industries. The party discusses building affordable housing, balancing the immigration system, and combatting crime with Bill C-2. They also aim to build a strong Canadian economy.
The Bloc criticizes the government's inaction on rising US tariffs on aluminum and steel, highlighting 2,000 forestry layoffs and calling for industry support and a budget update. They urge proactive measures like wage subsidies.
The NDP raise concerns about the PBO's warning on fiscal commitments and potential cuts. They highlight the threat to jobs from US steel tariffs and call for reforming EI and income supports.
The Greens pay tribute to the late Marc Garneau, remembering his non-partisanship, support on environmental laws, astronaut career, and kindness across party lines.

Main Estimates, 2025-26 Members debate Public Safety and Transport estimates. Discussions include concerns about correctional service decisions, bail reform, gun control (including the buyback program), and border security (Bill C-2, CBSA/RCMP hiring). They also discuss efforts to strengthen the economy and create a single Canadian market by reducing internal trade barriers, investments in national transport infrastructure like ports and rail, and issues with air passenger rights. 31800 words, 4 hours.

Was this summary helpful and accurate?

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 p.m.

Conservative

The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater

The hon. member for Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj has 40 seconds.

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 p.m.

Bloc

Alexis Deschênes Bloc Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine—Listuguj, QC

Mr. Chair, the runway at the Magdalen Islands airport is too short, impeding our ability to send cargo by air.

Can we work together to extend the runway at the Magdalen Islands airport to create a better economy?

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Mr. Chair, I thank the member for his question. This is another issue that I am very familiar with. I agree that we need to work on this issue with the municipality, residents and departmental officials.

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

June 5th, 2025 / 10:05 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC

Mr. Chair, in the opinion of the minister, have the air passenger protection regulations been a success or a failure?

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:05 p.m.

University—Rosedale Ontario

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland LiberalMinister of Transport and Internal Trade

Mr. Chair, it is after 10 o'clock at night, but I hope you will permit me, in response to the question from the member for Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, to congratulate him on his “Free the Beer” campaign. Truly, it was ahead of its time. Now is a moment, and I think—

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater

The hon. member.

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC

Mr. Chair, it is very kind what the minister said. However, getting back to the air passenger protection regulations, were they a success or a failure?

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Mr. Chair, I have been Minister of Transport for just a few weeks, and I am not today going—

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater

The hon. member.

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC

Mr. Chair, is it the opinion of the minister that the Canadian Transportation Agency is doing a good job?

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Again, Mr. Chair, I am not going to begin my time as transport minister by condemning those agencies under my care, but what I think—

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater

The hon. member.

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC

Mr. Chair, on a scale of one to 10, how satisfied is the minister with the CTA's independent regulatory and dispute resolution processes for transportation providers and users?

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Mr. Chair, let me just say that I am familiar with concerns that passengers have, and my priority is to ensure that Canadians travelling in Canada have a great travel experience and that when they—

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater

The hon. member.

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC

Mr. Chair, is that a five?

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Mr. Chair, when I was in school, I always respected most the teachers who graded me after having a chance to—

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater

The hon. member.

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC

Mr. Chair, according to the CTA's 2023-24 departmental results report, “the Agency completely redesigned and implemented a new streamlined complaints process”. Has this new process improved or worsened?

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Mr. Chair, continuing my teacher analogy, a good teacher gives students time to do their homework and to present their work. Having said that, I think I understand where the member for Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna is going with these questions, and I want to say to him that passengers come first with me and I am going—

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater

The hon. member.

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC

Mr. Chair, teachers give grades, so I would like to know this: What is the minister's response to the CTA's backlog of approximately 80,000 claims?

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Liberal

Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON

Mr. Chair, as I said, and I think I have been very clear, passengers come first with me. I think Canadians need to know that when they travel, they will be treated—

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

The Assistant Deputy Chair Conservative John Nater

The hon. member.

Main Estimates, 2025-26Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

10:10 p.m.

Conservative

Dan Albas Conservative Okanagan Lake West—South Kelowna, BC

Mr. Chair, let me rephrase it. Is an 18-month waiting period for complaint resolution acceptable to the minister, yes or no?