The sitting was dominated by debate on Bill C-11, the military justice system modernization act, and by a sustained Conservative attack on the government’s bail laws, which the opposition blamed for a rise in violent crime. The central political argument was whether the government had acted too slowly on military sexual misconduct and whether its justice policies were soft on crime.
Bill C-11, the military justice system modernization act, would amend the National Defence Act to transfer jurisdiction over Criminal Code sexual offences committed in Canada from the Canadian Armed Forces to civilian authorities, implement recommendations from former Supreme Court justices Arbour and Fish, and change appointment processes for senior military justice officials. The Liberal government argued the bill was essential to rebuild trust and protect victims, noting that 47 of Arbour’s 48 recommendations were on track to be completed by year’s end and that this was the only one requiring legislation. The Conservatives supported the principle but criticized the government for taking a decade to act, pointed to the previous bill C-66 that died on the Order Paper, and raised concerns about potential political interference from new ministerial powers, the lack of a formal communication mechanism between military and civilian police, and the risk that cases sent to overburdened civilian courts would face delays or weak penalties under Liberal bail laws. The Bloc Québécois supported sending the bill to committee but said it was long overdue and reserved judgment on details. The NDP asked whether the victim liaison officer could be appointed outside the chain of command. The Green Party asked whether the Conservatives would support the bill. No amendments were moved or decided during the sitting.
Oral Questions focused on two themes: the government’s record on crime and bail, and the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Washington to negotiate tariff relief. Conservatives repeatedly demanded that the government support a Conservative private member’s bill to tighten bail for repeat violent offenders, citing specific murders and a 76% rise in sexual assault. The government replied that it was preparing comprehensive bail and sentencing reforms informed by consultations with police and provinces, and accused the Conservatives of offering a weak, slogan-driven bill. On trade, Conservatives said the Prime Minister had broken his promise to secure a deal by July 21, noting that U.S. tariffs had doubled and that 86,000 jobs had been lost. The government replied that the Prime Minister would discuss trade and other issues with the U.S. president, and that Canada was in a strong position among G7 allies.
In Routine Proceedings, the government presented the fourth report of the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs on committee membership; concurrence was moved later in the sitting. The NDP introduced Bill C-247, which would repeal section 107 of the Canada Labour Code to prevent the government from ordering workers back to work during disputes. A Liberal member introduced Bill C-248, which would require a pan-Canadian conference on ending the seasonal time change. A motion to amend committee membership was not adopted after a member objected. Several petitions were presented on bank closures, friendship centres, charitable organizations and pay equity. Questions on the Order Paper were allowed to stand. No procedural votes on the main business were recorded.