The sitting was dominated by debate on the Speech from the Throne, with the central political argument revolving around the government’s refusal to table a budget. Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois repeatedly accused the Liberal government of breaking its promise to cap spending increases at 2%, pointing to an 8.4% increase in the main estimates and demanding a full fiscal plan, while the government defended its record by citing strong GDP growth and a tax cut for middle-class families.
The main item of Government Orders business was the resumption of debate on the Address in Reply to the Speech from the Throne. The throne speech, delivered by King Charles III, outlined the government’s agenda including tax cuts, housing measures, and a commitment to fiscal discipline. Conservatives criticized the speech as lacking detail and accused the government of planning to spend half a trillion dollars without a budget. The Bloc Québécois raised concerns about the absence of employment insurance reform and support for fisheries and forestry. The NDP highlighted the need for a national fire administration and mental health funding. The government defended its plan, emphasizing tax relief for 22 million Canadians and the removal of GST on new homes for first-time buyers. No amendments or votes on the address were recorded in the transcript.
Oral Questions were dominated by the government’s spending plans and the absence of a budget. Conservatives repeatedly pressed ministers on the 8.4% increase in spending and the 36% rise in consultant contracts, arguing that the government had broken its promise of fiscal restraint. The government responded by citing 2.2% GDP growth in the first quarter, a AAA credit rating, and the tax cut for middle-class families. Other recurring themes included housing, where Conservatives criticized the new housing minister’s record in Vancouver, and public safety, where Conservatives demanded tougher bail laws and an end to decriminalization. The government defended its record on bail reform and border security, and noted the listing of seven cartels as terrorist entities.
In Routine Proceedings, three petitions were presented: one on foreign affairs regarding an arms embargo on Israel, one on justice seeking amendments to the Jordan rule for serious crimes, and one on climate change calling for emissions reductions. The government House leader asked that all questions on the order paper be allowed to stand, which was agreed to. The chair of the Conservative caucus reported the results of four votes taken at the first caucus meeting following the election, confirming that the caucus adopted provisions for member expulsion by majority vote, election of its own chair, authority to conduct a leadership review, and authority to elect an interim leader.