Sitting 36 — October 8, 2025

The sitting was dominated by a vigorous question period following the Prime Minister's Washington visit, with Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre accusing the government of returning from the Oval Office with nothing to show for concessions on the digital services tax and counter-tariffs. The Prime Minister defended the outcome, arguing that Canada has the lowest tariffs on auto parts and finished goods in the world, that 85% of trade with the U.S. is tariff-free, and that discussions continue on steel, aluminum, and energy. Opposition members repeatedly raised the U.S. commerce secretary's statement that auto tariffs would remain, framing it as evidence of a failed negotiation. The government countered that other trading partners face higher tariffs and that Canada is not done negotiating.

The Bloc Québécois pressed the government on its Supreme Court intervention against Quebec's Bill 21, with five premiers having written to the Prime Minister asking for withdrawal of the federal factum. Justice Minister Sean Fraser defended the intervention as necessary to protect the Charter of Rights and Freedoms while acknowledging the limits of the notwithstanding clause. Employment and economic questions continued throughout question period, with Conservatives citing 86,000 job losses and $54 billion in investment flight, while government members pointed to tax cuts for 22 million Canadians and falling interest rates.

Government orders resumed second reading debate on Bill C-11, the Military Justice System Modernization Act. Conservative MP Gérard Deltell acknowledged the bill's importance while criticizing the decade-long delay in bringing it forward, and Bloc Québécois MP Andréanne Larouche stressed the need for cultural change within the Canadian Armed Forces. The adjournment proceedings addressed Canadian heritage legislation, concerns about Canadian Blood Services plasma agreements with foreign companies, and indigenous consultation on energy projects.