Sitting 13 — June 11, 2025

This sitting was marked by the release of multiple Auditor General reports, including a scathing audit of the F-35 fighter jet procurement showing costs 50% over budget at nearly $30 billion, and the ArriveCAN contractor report confirming $64 million in payments with minimal evidence of work. Prime Minister Mark Carney faced intense questioning from all opposition parties on both files, defending the government's procurement transformation agenda and new oversight measures while emphasizing the largest defence spending increase in decades announced the previous day. Conservative leader Andrew Scheer signalled his party would force a vote on recovering ArriveCAN funds. The Bloc Québécois pressed the Prime Minister on carbon tax rebate cheques sent to eight provinces after the consumer carbon tax was eliminated, arguing Quebeckers were excluded despite contributing to the consolidated revenue fund that financed the payments.

Bill C-4, the making life more affordable for Canadians act, received second-reading debate, with the government highlighting the income tax cut for 22 million Canadians and GST relief for first-time homebuyers. Conservative members welcomed the tax reductions but criticized them as too modest, while Bloc members sought clarity on Quebec's exclusion from the carbon rebate and raised climate policy concerns. Maiden speeches from newly elected members from both sides of the House punctuated the debate, with several MPs using the occasion to thank constituents and outline their priorities.

The House also dealt with privilege matters, including a question from Bloc member Jean-Denis Garon alleging the Minister of Finance deliberately misled the House during committee of the whole on carbon rebate payments. Routine proceedings saw the introduction of Bill C-208 to recognize a national livestock brand, and petitions on charitable organization tax status, health care worker shortages, and WHO pandemic agreement concerns. The main estimates committee of the whole consumed 716 speeches, with the Housing Minister undergoing sustained questioning on housing starts, government charges on new homes, and his record as mayor of Vancouver.