House of Commons Hansard #131 of the 45th Parliament, 1st session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was recession.
This summary is computer-generated. Usually it’s accurate, but every now and then it’ll contain inaccuracies or total fabrications.
The Criminal Code Third reading of Bill S-228. The bill amends the Criminal Code to explicitly define forced or coerced sterilization as aggravated assault. During the debate, members from all parties treated this as a non-partisan issue centered on preserving bodily autonomy and free and informed consent. Acknowledging the traumatic experiences of survivors like Katy Bear, the House ultimately ensured the legislation was carried unanimously. 7000 words, 1 hour.
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal Policies Members debate a Conservative motion characterizing Canada's economy as being in a recession and demanding a reversal of government policies. Conservatives argue that failed government strategies have stifled investment and increased costs for households. Liberals counter by emphasizing positive labour market data and affordability supports, accusing the opposition of unwarranted pessimism. The Bloc Québécois criticizes both parties, focusing on concerns regarding productivity and the government's management of major infrastructure projects and fiscal accountability. 35800 words, 4 hours in 2 segments: 1 2.
Interparliamentary Delegations Members Ginette Petitpas Taylor, James Maloney, and Terry Sheehan present various reports to the House regarding the activities, bilateral missions, and inter-parliamentary delegation meetings of the Canada-France, Canada-Europe, Canada-China, and Canada-Japan associations. 500 words.
Somali Heritage Month Act First reading of Bill C-283. The bill proposes officially designating July of each year as Somali Heritage Month in Canada to celebrate the cultural contributions and history of Somali Canadians within the nation. 200 words.
Canada Labour Code First reading of Bill C-284. The bill proposes amending the Canada Labour Code to prohibit employers from using outside managers as replacement workers during strikes and lockouts, aiming to strengthen protections for collective bargaining and unionized workers’ rights. 200 words.
Wartime Service Recognition Act First reading of Bill S-246. The bill creates a national framework for formally recognizing Canadian Armed Forces military service as wartime service, establishing criteria and timelines for designation from the Korean War onward and for future conflicts. 100 words.
Concurrence in Vote 5—Department of National Defence Members debate the 2026-27 main estimates, focusing on government spending priorities and requests for departmental funding. Conservatives criticize the government’s $200-million lease for a spaceport in Nova Scotia, alleging a lack of transparency and favoritism toward Liberal insiders. Liberals defend the spending as a strategic investment to achieve space sovereignty, modernize the Canadian Armed Forces, and support economic growth, while the NDP raises concerns regarding the need for better protection against fraud within the financial sector. 27800 words, 4 hours.
Main Estimates, 2026-27 First reading of Bill C-32. The bill, a supply act appropriating money for federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027, is introduced, debated in committee of the whole, and passed by the House of Commons. .
Supplementary Estimates (A), 2026‑27 First reading of Bill C-33. The bill authorizes funding for the federal public administration for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027, completing its legislative passage through the House of Commons after committee review and a final vote. 200 words.
Adjournment Debate - Health Dan Mazier and Matt Strauss demand accountability regarding $300 million in spent funds on the PrescribeIT program and question the independence of Canada Health Infoway. Maggie Chi dismisses these concerns as political obstruction, accusing Conservatives of neglecting a public health emergency involving HIV in Manitoba. 1300 words, 10 minutes.
Extension of Sitting HoursRoutine Proceedings
The Assistant Deputy Speaker John Nater
Pursuant to Standing Order 45, the division stands deferred until Tuesday, June 9, at the expiry of the time provided for Oral Questions.
Dan Mazier Conservative Riding Mountain, MB
Mr. Speaker, it is always an honour to present a petition on behalf of constituents. I rise, for the 13th time, on behalf of the people of Dauphin, Manitoba, to present a petition on the rising rate of crime.
Residents of Dauphin and the Parkland region are demanding that the Liberal government repeal its soft-on crime policies that have fuelled a surge in crime throughout their communities. Since 2015, there has been a 54% increase in violent crime and a 75% increase in sexual assaults across Canada. The petitioners are deeply concerned by what they read in the local papers, including a November report that the Dauphin RCMP is searching for a wanted man with three separate arrest warrants. Our once-safe communities have now turned into places where people fear for their life because the government's catch-and-release policies have allowed violent, repeat offenders to be out on bail instead of in jail.
The people of Dauphin and the Parkland region demand that the Liberal government repeal its soft-on-crime policies that directly threaten their livelihoods and their communities. I fully support the good people of Dauphin.
Andrew Scheer Conservative Regina—Qu'Appelle, SK
Mr. Speaker, I am tabling yet another petition from residents in and around the Indian Head area in southern Saskatchewan who are urging the government to reverse its terrible decision to shut down the Indian Head agricultural research farm.
The farm has over 100 years' worth of data on things from soil conditions to moisture levels and all kinds of factors that affect the growing season. This centre has produced hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of economic benefit, not just to the agricultural sector in Saskatchewan but all across Canada, with the valuable research it has produced and innovations in everything from crop varieties to pest management.
The Liberal government, which managed to find money for gender-just rice farming in Vietnam, cannot seem to find enough funds to keep this important centre open. The petitioners call on the government to reverse its terrible decision to keep the agricultural research farm open for generations to come.
Gaétan Malette Conservative Kapuskasing—Timmins—Mushkegowuk, ON
Mr. Speaker, today I rise to table another handful of petitions, this time signed by people from Smooth Rock Falls, Ontario. They are continuing their calls to action for the government to designate the Trans‑Canada Highway as a project of national interest.
Every day, hundreds of travellers put their lives at risk on Trans‑Canada Highway 11, a vital artery connecting communities in northern Ontario.
Smooth Rock Falls is just one of many communities supporting the petition, and this will be continuing, from village to village, until there is action.
Jamil Jivani Conservative Bowmanville—Oshawa North, ON
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of Canadians who are concerned with the continued economic mismanagement of our country and who are observing that the Liberal government is using its majority of seats now in the House of Commons to continue mismanaging our economy and putting young Canadians in a tough position.
Canadians are looking for accountability, and they are looking to have confidence in the democratic process renewed by having the Parliament of Canada Act amended so that MPs who have left their party and crossed the floor, handing the Liberal Prime Minister a majority, will have to face their voters in a by‑election.
Jason Groleau Conservative Beauce, QC
Mr. Speaker, it is always a pleasure for me to rise in the House to represent Canada's most beautiful region, Beauce. Today, I have the honour of presenting petition e‑7232, signed by 10,354 hunters and sport shooters.
Over the past few months, I have had the opportunity to meet with the constituents, federations of hunters and anglers, gun clubs and responsible firearm owners across Quebec who signed this petition. Their message is clear: The gun buyback program is a huge expenditure that does not address the root cause of violence in Canada. The petitioners firmly believe that mental health and support for people in distress are the real pillars of preventing violence and strengthening safety in our communities.
Legal gun owners are already subject to strict rules. Rather than wasting public funds on confiscating legally acquired assets, the government needs to invest where the needs are most urgent in our communities. As long as the protection of our communities is ignored, the problem will continue. That is why the 10,354 petitioners are calling on the government to put an end to the firearm buyback program and redirect the funds immediately to actual services, such as support for community organizations, mental health care and resources for people experiencing homelessness.
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, if the government's responses to Questions Nos. 1091, 1092, 1093, 1094, 1095, 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104 and 1105 could be made orders for return, these returns would be tabled in an electronic format immediately.
Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnRoutine Proceedings
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, I would ask that all remaining questions be allowed to stand, please.
Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnRoutine Proceedings
Questions Passed as Orders for ReturnRoutine Proceedings
The Assistant Deputy Speaker John Nater
[For text of questions and responses, see Written Questions website]
The House resumed consideration of the motion.
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Winnipeg North Manitoba
Liberal
Kevin Lamoureux LiberalParliamentary Secretary to the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, in terms of the opposition day motion, I thought it was really important for us to try to paint a different picture from what the Conservatives have been trying to tell Canadians, day in and day out.
Canada as an economy, as a community, is actually doing quite well in comparison to other G20 countries. We continue to work every day on building a stronger and healthier economy. We often talk about how important it is to have a strong economy. In fact, we have had the Prime Minister clearly indicate that we are going to build the strongest economy in the G7. We are committed to doing that, to putting in the effort and the work necessary in order to achieve that goal.
Canada has what the world wants in a very real and tangible way. I do not say that lightly because, at the end of the day, if we were to talk to the Prime Minister or any of the ministers who have been travelling abroad, in particular the Minister of Agriculture, the Minister of Industry or the Minister of Foreign Affairs, we would find that, wherever they go, they constantly hear about how others want to invest in and be a part of the Canadian economy or society, in some fashion or another.
That should come as no surprise to members opposite. We were very aggressive in the last federal election just over a year ago when Canadians chose a new government and a new Prime Minister with a very clear mandate to build stronger relationships and look at ways to export our products beyond the Canada‑U.S.A. border.
It is truly encouraging to see the degree to which, in that last 12 months, we have been very successful at reaching out and getting trade and defence agreements with a number of nations around the world. We have now had, for example, legislative measures here that have passed in Indonesia and the U.K., or England and Northern Ireland. It was really quite encouraging to see legislation and other aspects of trade being expanded. That is not failing to recognize the importance of U.S.‑Canada trade relations. In fact, what we have seen is a substantial increase in trade between Canada and the United States at the same time. I think it is worthy to note the degree to which we as a nation rely on trade.
If people wonder why we have a government that is so focused on trying to expand opportunities, they should get an understanding and appreciation of the number of jobs that are very much dependent on trade. I have said this in the past. Canada makes up roughly 0.25% of the world population, yet we contribute far more in terms of trade. That should be in the back of our minds as we look at ways we can build that stronger and healthier economy. Exports and two-way trade matter. They mean literally hundreds of thousands of jobs, but that is not all that, as a government, we are acting on. We have a government that realizes that it is one thing to talk about improving and increasing exports and trade opportunities, but we also have to be able to invest in and build Canada's infrastructure.
We have a government that is very much focused on building that infrastructure in major projects. When we have a Prime Minister who tells not only Canadians but the world that we want to be an energy superpower, it means that we have to be prepared to look internally within Canada to see how we will achieve this.
Factor that into trade and how important it is that we work with other jurisdictions, and what we have seen is a team Canada approach at building a stronger and healthier economy. This is because when we talk about those major projects, what we are really talking about is working with stakeholders, provinces, territories and indigenous leaders and looking at projects that are going to help build that economy, whether it is in the energy area or dealing with exports of widgets, which is absolutely critically important.
We can ultimately see those tangible results. We have relationships with those provincial entities, territories, indigenous leaders and other stakeholders and we have seen major projects in every region of our great nation. I can talk about wind energy from Atlantic Canada and other energy sources. In the past, I have highlighted the expansion of the port of Montreal. This is a major investment that is going to allow for a lot more in terms of Canada's ability to export.
I can talk about nuclear energy in Ontario. A while back, I was in the Philippines as part of a government trade promotion mission, where I sat around the table with representatives from, I believe, the Ontario government, along with the federal government. Most importantly, there were representatives for nuclear energy potential in the Philippines. They were talking about how they were looking at Canada as a way to expand their nuclear energy supply, in particular, in Ontario, and that is why we see those federal investments. We can play a strong leadership role not only for Ontario or within Canada, but also abroad.
Continuing to move from east to west, we can talk about Manitoba and the mining opportunities there through major projects. A personal favourite of mine, and I know the member for Churchill—Keewatinook Aski has been a very strong advocate for it, is the port of Churchill. We can talk about opportunities.
Even the Premier of Manitoba is on board, promoting and encouraging opportunities with the port of Churchill. It would provide us, I believe, the opportunity to expand the port to be a year-round port, with the potential of exporting LNG and other types of minerals, scarce minerals, and other items. For the first time in generations, we have seen significant movement, and there is a sense of hope and optimism that we are moving in the right direction by working together and collaborating.
We can move on to Saskatchewan, where we can talk about copper mines, canola and potash. The federal government is working well with the provincial government in recognizing the potential that Saskatchewan can materialize for the entire nation.
With Alberta, we signed an MOU not that long ago. It was concerning, given the number of MPs from Alberta, that the Conservatives were not on board with that MOU. Now we have an implementation agreement, which is even a step further, because the Government of Canada, working in collaboration with the Province of Ontario, is in a great position to ultimately see more energy sources coming out of Alberta. Working collaboratively can make a difference.
We can go to British Columbia. British Columbia leads the nation on things like LNG and mining. I am thinking of copper and other things. We can go into the north, where we are investing billions into northern economic sovereignty. There, we are seeing the promotion of energy can be a resource for actual sovereignty by promoting growth, in terms of our militarization in one form or another, in terms of the north and protecting sovereignty.
The bottom line is that the federal government is demonstrating very clearly how, working collaboratively, we can build a stronger and healthier economy and society that all Canadians will be able to take part in.
This is a wonderful opportunity. Political entities at different levels of government and municipalities of all different sizes are coming together and recognizing, based on the last national election, that it is time for collaboration. That is what we are witnessing, and there are tangible results there. We have seen other federal initiatives promoting investment, which is so warranted that we are fighting for it, such as the sovereign wealth fund, better known as the Canada Strong fund.
The sovereign wealth fund has the potential to be there in a very real and tangible way for Canadians; it also affords Canadians the opportunity to be part of a wealth fund. I believe that the generation of this fund and having it as a resource in Calgary, where we have the Major Projects Office, can be a fantastic asset. We will be able to work in that collaborative fashion, making sure, where we can, that these major projects get off the ground and that they are sustained and highly successful.
We have also seen a significant commitment to investments in Canada over the last year. We are not talking about millions of dollars; we are talking about billions of dollars in commitments. That is of great significance, because we recognize the times. We recognize that we need to think beyond the Canada‑U.S.A. border. At the same time, we are also looking, in terms of the United States, at ways we can enhance that relationship. There is a great deal of back-and-forth between American and Canadian politicians and the populations of the respective countries. There is a relationship that is exceptionally deep, between Canada and the United States, and we are going to continue to see that relationship well into the future.
At the same time, it is important that we do not capitulate, that Canada stands strong and firm and ultimately achieves the best deal it can under the current administration. Contrary to what we might hear from across the aisle, if it takes time, we are prepared to put in the time. We are prepared to put in the resources. We have a cabinet and ministers who are providing the lead on this file and the capability to deliver for Canadians. That is what we will do on that particular file, recognizing that we exchange nearly $3.6 billion a day, I believe, between our two great nations.
What is encouraging is that trade has actually increased year over year, so it is not fair to say or to imply that there is anything otherwise taking place with respect to international trade beyond Canada and the U.S. or between Canada and the U.S. The Prime Minister and the government are very much aware of how important that trade file is for both nations. We are very much aware of the importance of developing, promoting and materializing those major projects. It is something we are committed to doing.
I have a quote I want to share with members. It is an important quote that I believe really says a lot, since the last national election just over a year ago. The International Monetary Fund, the IMF, is a fund that is, in essence, an organization that over 190 countries contribute to. It carries a great deal of influence around the world. Here is what it had to say about Canada and our approach: that we are “focus[ed] strategically on investment that [is] progrowth”. This organization is projecting that Canada will have the second-strongest growth in the G7 in 2026.
When we put it in that perspective and look, from an economic point of view, at what we have been able to accomplish over the last year, it is leading to the types of results we need to see. As was pointed out on a number of occasions, in May alone, 88,000 jobs were created. Canada is in a great fiscal position to be able to do the things we need to do to support Canadians, such as the groceries and essentials benefit, which is providing support for Canadians. In fact, just last week, 11 million families benefited from that particular program. We reduced the tax on gasoline, the federal excise tax, by suspending it until Labour Day. The issue of affordability is important to this government.
I realize I am running out of time. Hopefully, maybe in response to a question, I will be able to provide more details on the environment. However, whenever I talk about economic opportunities, advancements and major projects, I truly believe, as the government does, that sustainable development means the environment, with indigenous people being involved. It means including provinces and territories, working collaboratively, and together we can, in fact, build Canada strong—
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Conservative
Fraser Tolmie Conservative Moose Jaw—Lake Centre—Lanigan, SK
Mr. Speaker, I am sorry I missed my root canal today.
I want to talk about my colleague across the aisle's saying that he has recognized the economy. The Liberal Party has failed Canadian people for far too long. The Liberals had this opportunity 10 years ago, but they are just recognizing it now. The failures have prevented Canadians from being insulated from the challenges we are facing globally.
I have just never heard such drivel in my entire life. The Liberal government has failed and has missed opportunities, and it is like a brand new thing to them. It is unbelievable. This should have been done 10 years ago. Canadians would not be in food lines. In my own riding, people are now being interviewed to go to the food bank. How has the government insulated and prevented Canadians from going through that? It is an economic mess.
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, it is unfortunate, but I guess the member is being consistent with the leader of the Conservative Party, who likes to go around Canada and tell Canadians that Canada is broken, that the sky is falling and that it is a massive darkness. A Conservative MP stands up, and we get the opinion that a black cloud is going over Canada.
I would contrast Canada, its economy and overall performance, with any other G7 or G20 country. We have more foreign direct investment coming into Canada on a per capita basis, definitely the best in the G20 and G7 and likely the best in the world. The Conservatives just do not want to recognize when there is good news. If we raise the good news, they—
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Mr. Speaker, when I hear the member for Winnipeg North talk about good news and how lucky Canadians are to have the current government, I really have to wonder. I wonder if I am dreaming and if someone should wake me up. It is really astonishing. The Liberals' self-congratulation is getting embarrassing.
When figures come out, we can break them down and interpret them as we wish, but some of them do not lie. In the first quarter of 2026, 35,000 retail jobs were lost. Retail is the end of the line. It is clothing shops, supermarkets and convenience stores. That is where people go to shop for their everyday needs. The loss of 35,000 jobs in the first quarter of 2026 means that people cannot afford to buy from their regular stores. That is an alarming figure that shows that Canadians and Quebeckers are currently feeling much more financial distress than optimism, contrary to what my colleague would have us believe.
At some point, will the government take concrete measures to help people pay for groceries and basic needs?
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Kevin Lamoureux Liberal Winnipeg North, MB
Mr. Speaker, the member is right that sometimes people, and politicians on both sides of the House, will be selective in the stats that they will throw out.
Let me give a stat that I believe is important. Since the last federal election, there has been an increase in employment of over 150,000. Members can cherry-pick all they want in between, but at the end of the day, there are 150,000 more jobs since this Prime Minister was elected Prime Minister, and that is given the circumstances of that election.
Canada still has a AAA credit rating, and for the first time in generations, we are investing in the Canadian military. We have actually surpassed that 2% of the GDP.
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Marilyn Gladu Liberal Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, ON
Mr. Speaker, I am just surprised. It is the Conservatives' opposition day, and I do not think we even have the number of people required in the chamber.
I would like to ask my hon. colleague if he could just—
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Some hon. members
Oh, oh!
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Liberal
Marilyn Gladu Liberal Sarnia—Lambton—Bkejwanong, ON
It is comments and questions, right? The question is, could the member talk about all of the positive things that our government is doing to restore our country—
Opposition Motion—The Government's Fiscal PoliciesBusiness of SupplyGovernment Orders
Bloc
Martin Champoux Bloc Drummond, QC
Mr. Speaker, I rise on a point of order.
I am curious. My colleague on the opposite side mentioned the fact that there are very few Conservative MPs present, even though it is their opposition day. Like you, I thought this was a quorum call, but is it permissible to note the absence or presence of MPs in the House?