House of Commons Hansard #87 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was affordable.

Topics

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

Fisheries Act Second reading of Bill C-237. The bill C-237 seeks to amend the Fisheries Act to harmonize recreational groundfish fishing rules across Atlantic Canada, aiming to extend access for Newfoundland and Labrador fishers. Proponents emphasize fairness and economic benefits. However, critics raise concerns about the lack of consultation, the bill's scientific basis, and potential negative impacts on regional stock management and commercial fisheries. 8800 words, 1 hour.

Build Canada Homes Act Second reading of Bill C-20. The bill establishes Build Canada Homes as a Crown corporation to increase Canada's supply of affordable housing and modernize the homebuilding sector. Proponents argue it provides essential tools to accelerate construction and foster partnerships. Critics, primarily Conservatives, contend it would add another arm to the federal government, duplicating existing efforts, and lacks clear targets. The Bloc Québécois supports federal investment but raises concerns about federal interference in Quebec's jurisdictions and the bill's lack of guarantees for social housing. The NDP notes no specific allocation for rent-geared-to-income housing. 42600 words, 5 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Question Period

The Conservatives criticize the government's broken immigration system, highlighting "deluxe health benefits" for bogus asylum claimants while Canadians struggle with healthcare access. They also condemn rising food prices due to Liberal red tape and taxes on farmers. Additionally, they attack the soaring costs of the Cúram computer system, leading to 85,000 seniors waiting for benefits.
The Liberals defend their immigration system, highlighting Bill C-12 to reduce misuse, lower claims, and remove failed asylum seekers while protecting vulnerable people. They also boast a growing economy and support for farmers and agri-food exports. They emphasize modernizing seniors' benefit systems and investing in a new defence industrial strategy.
The Bloc denounces the Cúram software fiasco, citing its $5-billion cost overrun, official bonuses, and impact on 85,000 pensioners. They also criticize the government's loss of control at Roxham Road, with refugees accepted without interviews.
The NDP demands the government expand pharmacare to all Canadians, criticizing delays in negotiations for provinces beyond British Columbia.

Petitions

Similarities Between Bill C-2 and Bill C-12 Members debate a point of order regarding Bills C-2 and C-12, discussing whether they are "substantially similar" under parliamentary rules, which would prevent Bill C-2 from proceeding after Bill C-12 passed. 1100 words, 10 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Electric vehicle subsidies Eric Duncan criticizes the Liberal EV rebate program, arguing it subsidizes American-made EVs while the U.S. tariffs Canadian vehicles. He proposes removing GST from Canadian-made vehicles instead. Mike Kelloway defends the program, saying it incentivizes EV adoption, supports Canadian innovation, and adapts to changing global trade realities.
Taxes and food affordability William Stevenson argues that government policies, like the clean fuel standard and carbon tax, increase the cost of food for Canadians. Mike Kelloway responds by highlighting the Canada groceries and essentials benefit, along with other measures, aiming to make life more affordable and support businesses.
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PharmacareOral Questions

3:10 p.m.

Conservative

Joël Godin Conservative Portneuf—Jacques-Cartier, QC

Mr. Speaker, I believe that you have a responsibility to protect the rights of all MPs here in the House of Commons.

During question period, I saw my colleague, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, make gestures to one of my colleagues that I will not repeat.

I invite you to watch the video, or I would ask my colleague to apologize right now.

PharmacareOral Questions

3:10 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

I did not see the gestures in question, and I do not think that I would see them if I watched the video because the camera is focused on the person asking the question and the person answering it. However, it has been noted.

The House resumed from February 12 consideration of the motion, and of the amendment.

Opposition Motion—Automotive StrategyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:10 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

It being 3:11 p.m., the House will now proceed to the taking of the deferred recorded division on the amendment to the motion of the member for Kildonan—St. Paul relating to the business of supply.

Call in the members.

And the bells having rung:

The question is as follows. Shall I dispense?

Opposition Motion—Automotive StrategyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:10 p.m.

Some hon. members

No.

Opposition Motion—Automotive StrategyBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:10 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

[Chair read text of motion to House]

(The House divided on the amendment, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #70

Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:25 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

I declare the amendment lost.

The next question is on the main motion.

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.

Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:25 p.m.

Liberal

Élisabeth Brière Liberal Sherbrooke, QC

Mr. Speaker, I believe you will find unanimous consent to apply the result of the previous vote to this one, with all Liberal members voting no.

Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:25 p.m.

Conservative

Chris Warkentin Conservative Grande Prairie, AB

Mr. Speaker, the Conservatives agree to apply the vote, with the Conservatives voting in favour.

Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:25 p.m.

Bloc

Christine Normandin Bloc Saint-Jean, QC

Mr. Speaker, the Bloc Québécois agrees to apply the vote and will be voting against the motion.

Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:25 p.m.

NDP

Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, the NDP agrees with applying the vote, and we vote yea.

Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:25 p.m.

Green

Elizabeth May Green Saanich—Gulf Islands, BC

Mr. Speaker, the Greens agree with the application of the results of the last vote to this vote, with Greens voting no.

(The House divided on the motion, which was negatived on the following division:)

Vote #71

Business of SupplyGovernment Orders

3:25 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

I declare the motion defeated.

I wish to inform the House that, because of the deferred recorded divisions, the time provided for Government Orders will be extended by 15 minutes.

Procedure and House AffairsCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings

3:25 p.m.

Liberal

Chris Bittle Liberal St. Catharines, ON

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Orders 104 and 114, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 15th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs regarding the membership of committees of the House. If the House gives its consent, I intend to move concurrence in the 15th report later this day.

While I am on my feet, pursuant to Standing Order 108(3)(a)(viii) and section 30 of the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons, I have the honour to present, in both official languages, the 16th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs, entitled “Forms and Procedural and Interpretative Guidelines from the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner”.

It being later this day, if the House gives its consent, I move that the 15th report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs presented in the House earlier this day be concurred in.

Procedure and House AffairsCommittees of the HouseRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed.

The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.

(Motion agreed to)

Commissioner of Official LanguagesRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Liberal

Arielle Kayabaga Liberal London West, ON

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions among the parties, and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:

That, in accordance with subsection 49(1) of the Official Languages Act, R.S.C., 1985, c. 31, and pursuant to Standing Order 111.1(2), the House approve the appointment of Kelly Burke as Commissioner of Official Languages, for a term of seven years.

Commissioner of Official LanguagesRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay. It is agreed.

The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.

(Motion agreed to)

UkraineRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

Winnipeg North Manitoba

Liberal

Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Mr. Speaker, there have been discussions amongst the parties, and if you seek it, I believe you will find unanimous consent for the following motion:

That, notwithstanding any standing order or usual practice of the House:

(a) at the conclusion of Oral Questions on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the House observe a moment of silence for Ukraine and the victims of Russian aggression;

(b) a member of the governing party, a member of the official opposition, a member of the Bloc Québécois, a member of the New Democratic Party and the member of the Green Party each be permitted to make a statement; and

(c) the time taken for these proceedings shall be added to the time provided for Government Orders.

UkraineRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

All those opposed to the hon. member's moving the motion will please say nay.

There being no dissenting voice, it is agreed.

The House has heard the terms of the motion. All those opposed to the motion will please say nay.

(Motion agreed to)

National Food Assistance ProgramPetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

NDP

Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to table petition e-6623, calling on the House of Commons to create a national food assistance program.

The petitioners say this program is more essential than ever, especially among low-income people, people with disabilities, seniors and single adults with children. Access to food is one of the most basic human rights recognized in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, of which Canada is a signatory. Canada currently has no national food assistance program, leaving countless people hungry at a time when food costs are soaring across the country. Nobody should have to choose between basic necessities like food, medication, housing or health care—

National Food Assistance ProgramPetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

Is the hon. member reading a statement or summarizing the petition?

National Food Assistance ProgramPetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

NDP

Leah Gazan NDP Winnipeg Centre, MB

Mr. Speaker, I was just finishing. Can I start from the top?

National Food Assistance ProgramPetitionsRoutine Proceedings

3:30 p.m.

The Speaker Francis Scarpaleggia

No. Is the hon. member simply summarizing the petition or reading a statement about the petition?