Debates of March 24th, 2026

House of Commons Hansard #98 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was workers.

Topics

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

Procedure and House Affairs Members present reports from the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs concerning committee membership and election candidate criteria, while debating proposed measures regarding "longest ballot" organizations and nomination signature limits. 700 words.

Petitions

MAID and mental illness safeguards

Start-up visa program delays

Tax exemption for virtual disability services

Protection of religious freedoms

Funding for field hockey facility

Marfan syndrome screening and awareness

Self-defence and property rights

Opposition to MAID for mental illness

Salmon recreational fishing allocation

Opposition Motion—Tariff-free Auto Pact Conservative MP Kyle Seeback moves a motion criticizing the Liberal government’s handling of the auto industry, citing declining production levels and job losses. Conservatives propose a 'tariff-free auto pact' to double production via GST exemptions and a one-for-one sales rule. Liberals oppose the motion, arguing the plan is outdated and ignores current global trade realities. Meanwhile, the Bloc Québécois rejects it, highlighting concerns regarding climate goals and regional interests. 47900 words, 6 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.

Statements by Members

Honouring Dr. David Suzuki

International Right to Truth Day

Fraser Valley flood relief

Anti-racism and social cohesion

National Prayer Breakfast

Legacy of Saint-Phard Désir

Taber's Kraft Hockeyville success

World Tuberculosis Day efforts

Environmental Stewardship Award winners

Condolences for aviation tragedy

Supporting Afghan female students

Crisis in Canadian auto sector

Solidarity with Iranian people

Protecting Canadian auto jobs

Francophone immigration investment

Criticism of Liberal economic management

Visit of Prince Rahim Aga Khan

Question Period

The Conservatives condemn the government’s immigration mismanagement, citing an Auditor General report on student permit fraud and calling to fire three ministers. They highlight declining auto production and aluminum tariffs while proposing a tariff-free auto pact. Finally, they criticize the failing pay system and its backlog of transactions.

The Liberals emphasize restoring integrity to immigration by reducing student visas and temporary resident numbers. They defend their auto strategy and Northern investments while addressing aluminum tariffs. Additionally, they focus on reducing pay backlogs, implementing lawful access measures for police, and protecting the judicial appointment process.

The Bloc defends Quebec’s state secularism law, demanding the government withdraw its arguments at the Supreme Court. They reject federal authority and call for provincial control over judicial appointments to end partisan selections.

The NDP condemns the government for cutting funding for accessible housing for wheelchair users. They also call for an end to arms exports to ensure Canada is not complicit in the civilian killings in the Middle East.

Supplementary Estimates (C), 2025-26 First reading of Bill C-23. The bill appropriates specified sums for federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026, advancing through the House of Commons for final approval on division. .

Interim Supply Members move and carry a motion on division to grant interim supply totalling $86.4 billion to fund government operations until March 31, 2027, as part of the budgetary process for the upcoming fiscal year. 600 words.

Interim Supply First reading of Bill C-24. The bill receives first, second, and third reading in the House of Commons, is reviewed clause-by-clause as a committee of the whole, and is ultimately passed on division for federal public administration funding. .

Amendments to Bill C-8 Laila Goodridge argues against the government’s challenge to amendments made by the Standing Committee on Public Safety regarding Bill C-8, asserting that the committee’s changes are procedurally sound and within the bill's scope. 1300 words, 10 minutes.

Respecting Families of Murdered and Brutalized Persons Act Second reading of Bill C-235. The bill increases, at a judge's discretion, parole ineligibility periods to 40 years for offenders convicted of abduction, sexual assault, and murder. Supporters, primarily Conservatives, argue it prevents the retraumatization of victims' families. The Bloc Québécois opposes the measure, citing constitutional concerns regarding Supreme Court rulings on cumulative sentencing and potential wasted parliamentary resources, but the motion passes and proceeds to committee. 4200 words, 30 minutes.

Adjournment Debates

Employment data and economic performance Garnett Genuis criticizes the government for significant job losses, particularly among youth, while dismissing ministerial excuses as inaccurate or logically inconsistent. Leslie Church defends the government's economic record, citing strong foreign direct investment projections and new training investments under Budget 2025 to support workers impacted by trade disruptions.

Economic performance and cost of living Kevin Waugh criticizes the government for Canada's shrinking economy, high inflation, and job losses, arguing that families need jobs rather than handouts. Leslie Church defends the administration's economic plan, citing new grocery benefits and targeted funding to support affordability, while blaming trade wars for recent economic challenges.

Benefits delivery modernization costs Sébastien Lemire criticizes significant cost overruns in the government's Cúram-based benefits delivery system, demanding an independent inquiry. Leslie Church defends the project as necessary to modernize outdated infrastructure, stating that the migration of OAS was completed under budget and is essential for reliable, secure service delivery to millions.

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Bill C-23 Supplementary Estimates (C), 2025-26Government Orders